Women’s Six Nations: Ellie Kildunne and Abi Burton start against Scotland

Scotland fly-half Helen Nelson, who ranks fourth in England’s top flight in terms of kicks from disposal, could look to take advantage of the space around Kildunne, while Rhona Lloyd, who will line up opposite Kildunne, has scored 11 league tries for Sale so far this season.

Elsewhere prop Maud Muir won her 50th cap for England, replacing Sarah Bern at tight end, who was among a number of substitutes including 112-cap Marlie Packer and Gloucester-Hartpury’s Mia Venner.

England are chasing an eighth consecutive Women’s Six Nations title but are trying to continue their winning streak without many of the players who helped them qualify for the World Cup last year.

Number eight Alex Matthews will miss the clash against Scotland with a shoulder injury, while it was announced earlier on Thursday that prop Hannah Botterman has joined those sidelined for the tournament with an ankle injury.

Head coach John Mitchell hopes the forced changes will prove to produce a new generation of players as the Red Roses maintain their dominance of the tournament.

But Scotland, who will play in the biggest single women’s sporting event in the country’s history in front of more than 25,000 spectators at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, will be ready to benefit from any disruption.

England: To sing a song; Breach, Jones (captain), Rowland, Kildunne; Harrison, L Packer; Clifford, Cokayne, Muir, Burton, Ives Campion, Kısa, Kabeya, Feaunati,

Replacements: Powell, Carson, Bern, Lutui, M Packer, Robinson, Aitchison, Venner