2025 Six Nations preview: England v Scotland

17 Feb 2025 | 4 min | 1

2025 Six Nations preview: England v Scotland

Everything you need to know as England host Scotland in Round 3 of the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, with the Calcutta Cup at stake.

Chris Robshaw column

Fin Smith's Test preparation

Steve Borthwick’s England head into the game buoyed by a last-gasp win over France at Allianz Stadium, having narrowly lost to Ireland in Round 1.

Elliot Daly’s last-minute try, followed by Fin Smith’s conversion secured a thrilling 26-25 victory against Les Bleus, with Tommy Freeman, Fin Baxter and Ollie Lawrence also scoring to earn an attacking bonus-point.

England’s last Calcutta Cup encounter with Scotland, who arrive in London on the back of an 18-32 loss to the Irish, ended in defeat, with the Scots claiming a 30-21 win.

Where	Allianz Stadium, Twickenham
When	Saturday 22 February
Kick-off	16:45
Where to watch	ITV

England team to play Scotland

Match day 23

Last time out

Views from camp

Ben Earl

"I’ve always found that the higher level of rugby you’re playing, the simpler the emotional element becomes.

"You can have a game plan, but I promise you, once you get under the lights at home, it’s as gladiatorial as it gets, and you’re not going to be short of emotion or intensity."

Steve Borthwick

"We’re all aware of the recent record against Scotland, but we’re all about the here and now. They’re a very smart team and a very well-coached team, and we need to make sure we play well this weekend.

"Finn Russell has got a very varied kicking game, both long and contestable, and a very attacking kicking game. We’re going to have to be very sharp to make sure that space is covered, because he can find it.

"In space, Duhan van der Merwe is very dangerous. He’s got pace and power down that edge, and if you give him that space he’ll take it. Fundamentally, denying him that space will be important."

Stats & facts

England have made the most kicks in play (84) of any side in this year’s Six Nations whereas Scotland have made the fewest (46); 15 of England’s kicks have been grubber kicks, while Scotland have only used one.

Scotland have won eight of their last 10 men’s Test matches, their only defeats in that time coming against the top two ranked countries in World Rugby, South Africa and Ireland, their eight victories in this run have come by an average margin of 32 points.

England have won nine turnovers from jackals during this year's Six Nations, more than any other side with Tom Curry (4) winning twice as many as any other player (Ben Earl and Lorenzo Cannone, both 2).

Scotland have managed the quickest attacking ruck speed (3.3s average) of any side at this Six Nations and their tally of 235 rucks is the highest of any side.

Keep your eye on

Fin Smith at fly-half. The young Northampton Saint excelled against France in his first Test start and has been entrusted with the no.10 shirt again for Scotland’s visit to Allianz Stadium.

Ollie Chessum’s return. Chessum last started for England in last year’s Six Nations defeat to France and last started at lock against Scotland the same year.

Ellis Genge’s power. Last time England hosted Scotland, Genge scored England’s third try of the game with a characteristically powerful drive, having already carried well just two phases earlier.

Tommy Freeman’s aerial ability. Against Les Bleus, Freeman was very impressive under the high ball and managed to get on the scoresheet thanks to his athleticism in the air.