Rugby fans are eagerly awaiting the eagerly anticipated clash between England and Scotland at Twickenham as part of the 2025 Six Nations Championship. The match kicks off on February 22 at 11:45 AM ET (4:45 PM GMT) and promises to be a spectacle filled with intensity and historic rivalry.
Both teams are gearing up for this important encounter for very different reasons. England is riding high after their dramatic last-minute victory over France, which saw them finally break their streak of narrow defeats against top-tier nations. With the pressure eased, England is determined to build on this momentum. Captain Maro Itoje expressed the team’s desire to change the narrative against Scotland, stating, “Scotland have had a number on us for a few years and that's something we're not proud about.”
On the other hand, Scotland approaches this clash seeking redemption after suffering a disappointing 32-18 defeat to Ireland in their last game. They are especially eager to reclaim the Calcutta Cup, a prize they have held onto for the past few matches against England.
With their places at stake, both squads have made strategic changes to their lineups. England will see Ollie Chessum take the place of George Martin, bringing fresh energy to their second row, and they will maintain the successful playmaking duo of Fin Smith and Marcus Smith. Tom Harrison, England’s scrum coach, emphasized the need for their game to include more “nastiness,” hinting at the physical approach they plan to adopt against Scotland. “Most games come down to physicality,” he said, reaffirming his team's focus.
Scotland, aiming to overcome their previous loss, has also made notable adjustments. Captain Finn Russell returns to the starting lineup after battling back from injury, symbolizing their hopes for rejuvenated performance. The Scottish coach Gregor Townsend will rely heavily on Russell, alongside the powerful forward line, hoping to replicate their prior successes against England.
History favors Scotland coming to this match; they have defeated England four consecutive times going back to 2021. England, only managing to win once out of the last seven encounters, is eager to restore pride and reclaim the Calcutta Cup they have struggled to hold onto. “This is an absolutely huge game. It is a brilliant opportunity to change the narrative there and get England back to winning the Calcutta Cup,” Itoje declared.
The buildup to this match has already set the stage for what promises to be one of the highlights of the Six Nations. With expectations running high, both teams are set to clash not only for points but also for pride and legacy. The fans at Twickenham and those watching from around the world understand the stakes involved.
With kickoff approaching, all eyes will be on the players, passionate about their countries and determined to win. Each team is prepared for a grueling battle on the field, eager to showcase their skills and secure their respective places on the Six Nations table. It is not just about rugby—it’s about changing the course of history as they write their legacies anew over the Calcutta Cup.
Fans can catch the live match coverage on ITV1 from 4 PM and stream it via ITVX, ensuring no one misses the excitement of this monumental rugby clash. The atmosphere at Twickenham promises to be electric, filled with fans cheering on their teams as they clash once again.
Whether it will be England turning the tide back to their favor or Scotland continuing their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this is more than just another game. It’s the heart of rugby.