England crush Scotland to reach World Cup last four

The ultimate prize remains theirs to seek over the next fortnight, but by one metric, this record-setting England team is already the finest in test history.

- HARRY LATHAM-COYLE AT ASHTON GATE

Surpassing their own peerless 30-match unbeaten run will mean little to the Red Roses if the Women's World Cup crown they so covet is not procured at Twickenham on 27 September, but this win was nonetheless significant in taking them a step closer to that goal.

Win 31 of a run that began at the start of 2023 in the wake of the last World Cup final will not necessarily live long in the memory; an overmatched Scotland crushed in familiar fashion in truly wretched conditions in Bristol. Indeed, head coach John Mitchell might even have made more of the misfortune that so nearly befell waiting semifinal foes France against Ireland - Les Bleues just about remain afloat amid a storm in Exeter, but were briefly in very dangerous water indeed, and they will have to be 20,000 leagues smarter and better to rise to the level of the apex predator of the European game.

This was not an exercise without intrigue or information for Mitchell, mind, with a few looming key questions before his side's tournament really begins next week. A composed performance from Holly Aitchison on a day not necessarily designed for her more elaborate watercolour brushstrokes could leave a decision at 10, although Mitchell insisted afterwards that his plans had changed little since the start of the tournament. "These girls have demonstrated consistency over the last three years," he said. "Why wouldn't you use that when it really matters?" The return of Ellie Kildunne will surely force one of either Jess Breach or Helena Rowland out of a back three, though that coped well with the conditions.