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England out to pack a World Cup punch
The Chronicle
|September 05, 2025
ENGLAND back-rower Alex Matthews gave head coach John Mitchell a playful punch after being appointed captain for tomorrow's World Cup showdown with Australia.
The 32-year-old will lead her country for only the second time as the Red Roses attempt to clinch top spot in Pool A by avoiding defeat to the Wallaroos in Brighton.
With regular skipper Zoe Aldcroft sidelined until the knockout stages due to a knee issue and former captain Marlie Packer left out of the matchday 23, media-shy Matthews was selected for the role ahead of vice-captain Megan Jones.
She previously took on the responsibility against the United States at the 2024 WXV tournament in Canada.
"I think I actually punched him, a little nudge on the shoulder; I was like, 'what are you doing to me?," Matthews told reporters after being asked for her reaction to being given the news by Mitchell.
"I just said 'nothing changes.' I have been through this against the USA over in Canada, so I've rehearsed it. I was taken aback, it is pretty cool, isn't it? Pretty special, especially in a World Cup.
This story is from the September 05, 2025 edition of The Chronicle.
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