Six Nations: England scrum-half Alex Mitchell says 'hurting' Scotland will be looking for a reaction against Steve Borthwick's side
England scrum-half Alex Mitchell speaks to Sky Sports News ahead of Six Nations clash with Scotland; The scrum-half is set to make his first appearance at Murrayfield; England are looking to extend their win streak to 13 games
Monday 9 February 2026 17:33, UK
England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has warned his side to be ready to face a "hurting" Scotland team looking for a reaction after their defeat to Italy in the Six Nations.
Scotland suffered a shock upset, losing 18-15 in Rome, whilst Mitchell's England got off to a barnstorming start in their impressive 48-7 bonus point win against a weak Wales side.
But, despite his side's dominant victory, the Northampton Saints star emphasised that it will take all that England have to break a streak of losses at Murrayfield extending back to 2020.
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"I think it's going to be a tough Test match, as it always is with them," Mitchell said. "Obviously, they're a quality side.
"They're hurting from the result last week against Italy. So, they know they're going to come firing out the blocks that first 20.
"I think, obviously, there's going to be a massive reaction. I think that always happens after a loss. You're obviously frustrated and you want to kick into the next game as soon as possible. So, yes, they're going to be hurting and obviously going back home for them is going to be a massive, massive boost for them."
Mitchell, who will make his 29th England cap, has been a key component in his side's 12-game winning streak and is relishing the chance to repair past scars with another win in Edinburgh.
"I personally can't wait. It's my first time actually up in Murrayfield.
"I'm really excited about the atmosphere - the bagpipes, how everyone gets behind the team. I love that. I love these environments. You want to play in the best stadiums in the world and that's definitely one of them.
"It's frustration, not having a few wins up there. It's always a different squad every campaign, isn't it? This is a new squad with a lot of confidence. And, yes, the boys are raring to go to get a performance."
Murrayfield clash test of in-form England's mettle
Sky Sports News' James Cole at Pennyhill Park:
"Having won 12 games in a row, England now head to Scotland, Murrayfield, a venue they haven't won at in six years.
"They're boosted by the return to fitness of several players, notably Ollie Lawrence, their outside centre. If he were to come into the team, potentially Tommy Freeman, who is a winger by trade, could move back out to the wing.
"Freeman started at 13 against Wales, but that would likely mean Henry Arundell would have to miss out. That would seem harsh on Arundell having scored a hat-trick against Wales.
"Also returning to fitness, fly-half Finn Smith and full-back George Furbank. But England are going to be without Manny Feyi-Woboso. He injured his hamstring before the Wales game and could miss the entire Six Nations.
"Up front, Mauro Itoje who started on the bench on Saturday, is likely to come back into the starting line-up after the death of his mother.
"Meanwhile, Ellis Genge, the prop, did not train with England today. He's managing a hamstring injury, but I understand is likely to be fit for the weekend.
"As I said, Murrayfield not a happy hunting ground for England in recent years, but if they are to be genuine Six Nations contenders this time, a win this weekend is a must."
Men's Six Nations (all kick-off times GMT)
Thursday February 5
Saturday February 7
Saturday February 14
- Ireland vs Italy - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.10pm kick-off)
- Scotland vs England - Murrayfield, Edinburgh (4.40pm kick-off)
Sunday February 15
- Wales vs France - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (3.10pm kick-off)
Saturday February 21
- England vs Ireland - Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2.10pm kick-off)
- Wales vs Scotland - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm kick-off)
Sunday February 22
- France vs Italy - Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille (3.10pm kick-off)
Friday March 6
- Ireland vs Wales - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8.10pm kick-off)
Saturday March 7
- Scotland vs France - Murrayfield, Edinburgh (2.10pm kick-off)
- Italy vs England - Stadio Olimpico, Rome (4.40pm kick-off)
Saturday March 14
- Ireland vs Scotland - Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2.10pm kick-off)
- Wales vs Italy - Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm kick-off)
- France vs England - Stade de France, Paris (8.10pm kick-off)
