The UK defeated Italy in six countries at LNER Community Stadium

The ambitious English side took the field when they raised the curtains in a very important 2025 campaign. Despite joining six countries as both the world's number one and champion, both them and the crowd continued to look at the World Cup.

Their first test of the year was against finisher Italy, who placed fifth last year. Italy wanted to silence the packed crowds of LNER Community Stadium and be upset by their age.

It was a fierce start for the best team in the world, as Redborough scored two tries in the opening seven minutes. Mia Venner and Emily Scarratt were the beneficiaries of the Fed Fed Fed Quickball, with Lucy Parker behind the English physicality.

Italy showed their prowess in injury as they increased England's penalty count through a series of strong turnovers. However, their efforts to clear the line were lacking as Italian captain Sofia Stephen struggled to gain distance with her box kick.

The red rose returned to the Italian Tri-line and maintained a ruthless physicality. Rosie Garrigan tried the back of the mall and was changed to a penalty try with the 20-minute mark.

England's Mia Benner and Italy's Alyssa Dunca are on the move during the match (Image: Mike Egerton)

Tighthead Prop Maud Muir has become one of the first half stories. Scrum Harfruisi Parker continued to set a relentless pace, and Italy couldn't find the answer.

A skillful crossfield kick came into the hands of winger Claudia McDonald.

The rebellion from Italy continued as they gained a series of penalties in half of the UK. He later kicked three times to the corner, and Francesca Sgolvini won the driving mall.

Rather than the end of the domination that Red Roses exhibited, Maddie Funati, No. 8, ruled as knock-on, and quickly returned to the South Stand before he was not permitted.

Pressure from the red rose continued, followed by Italian lineout struggle as Amy Cocaine hit her with a loose 5m ball before she scored England's fifth attempt. I started coming back a bit for Italy and went halftime the game.

Surprisingly, it was another story after the break. Now playing towards the South Stands, Italy has composed and has achieved more success in the kick game. The problems with England's breakdown continued, and sales from things like Sugolbini thwarted the momentum the Red Roses were trying to build.

England's Amy Cocaine scores at the end of the first half (Image: Mike Egerton)

Unlike the fierce pace of the opening 40 minutes, Italy included games around the half line. I probed the English try line in just five minutes, but the ball held up with two tackles.

However, the Italian lineout continued to cause problems as they continued to struggle to convert their possessions into points.

Alternatives began to flow, and the world's Player of the Year Ellie Kildonne entered the pitch with the loudest cheers of the day from the crowd. Several changes disrupt Redborough's play, and it's clear that manager John Mitchell chose a fresh face off the bench, and the game began to get sloppy.

The game felt apart, but Hannah Botterman and Sarah Bern created some front football, but forced unnecessary sales in breakdowns and tight spaces.

Zoe Aldcroft of England is working on Italy's Francesca Sgorbini (left) and Alyssa Danca (image: Mike Egerton)

It wasn't until 70 minutes that England sniffed out to increase the number of points tallies. Sadly, Botterman's attempt was banned as TMO ruled that it would be knocked on in the build-up. The score remained stuck at 33-5, and the now quiet crowd feared a scoreless second half.

Italy was playing the game at this point on its own terms. Resilient, defensive efforts and work in breakdowns are the source of red rose frustration.

The deadlock was broken by fullback Emma Singh. Emma Singh tried it after being physically transported to the center of the park. The score reached a final tally of 38-5.

The England match player was announced as Maddie Finaty, with her carry on No. 8, providing a consistent outlet for Redborough despite some tricky step-by-step plays.

Despite the stunting in the second half, England proved their advantage in front of 8,391 fans at LNER Community Stadium. They are currently sitting on the Six Nations table at 5 points and hunting for four consecutive Grand Slams.

They are now looking forward to an away fixture with Wales on Saturday, March 29th. Assuming last year's bottom place finisher, John Mitchell's side will try to improve the tally of points with Italy today.