Six Nations: England scrum-half Alex Mitchell says 'hurt' Scotland will seek response against Steve Borthwick's side | Rugby union news

England scrum-half Alex Mitchell has warned his side to be ready to face an “injured” Scotland side looking for a reaction after their defeat to Italy in the Six Nations.

Scotland suffered a shock defeat as they lost 18-15 in Rome, while Mitchell's England got off to a flying start in their impressive 48-7 bonus-point win over a weak Wales side.

But, despite his side's dominant victory, the Northampton Saints star stressed it will take everything England have at their disposal to end a losing streak at Murrayfield dating back to 2020.

“I think it’s going to be a tough test match, as it always is with them,” Mitchell said. “They’re obviously a quality team.

“They are suffering from last week's result against Italy. So they know they are going to be hitting the blocks in the first 20.

“I think, obviously, there's going to be a massive backlash. I think that always happens after a loss. You're obviously frustrated and you want to get into the next game as soon as possible. So, yeah, they're going to suffer and obviously going home is going to be a huge boost for them.”

Mitchell, who will make his 29th England cap, played a key role in his side's 12-game winning streak and is relishing the opportunity to repair past scars with another victory in Edinburgh.

“Personally I can’t wait. It’s my first time at Murrayfield.

“I'm really excited about the atmosphere – the bagpipes, the way everyone supports the team. I love it. I love these environments. You want to play in the best stadiums in the world and this is definitely one of them.

“It's frustration not to have a few wins up there. It's always a different team every campaign, isn't it? It's a new team with a lot of confidence. And, yes, the boys are raring to go for a performance.”

Murrayfield clash tests mettle of in-form England

Sky Sports News' James Cole at Pennyhill Park:

“After winning 12 matches in a row, England now travel to Scotland, to Murrayfield, a stadium where they have not won for six years.

“They are boosted by the return to form of several players, notably Ollie Lawrence, their outside centre. If he were to join the team, potentially Tommy Freeman, a winger by trade, could return on the wing.

“Freeman started at 13 against Wales, but that would likely mean Henry Arundell would have to miss. That would look harsh on Arundell after scoring a hat-trick against Wales.

“Flyhalf Finn Smith and fullback George Furbank are also back fit. But England will be without Manny Feyi-Woboso. He injured his hamstring before the Wales game and could miss the entire Six Nations.

“At the front, Mauro Itoje, who started on the bench on Saturday, is expected to return to the starting lineup following the death of his mother.

“Meanwhile, full-back Ellis Genge did not train with England today. He is carrying a hamstring injury, but I understand he is likely to be fit for the weekend.

“As I said, Murrayfield has not been a happy hunting ground for England in recent years, but if they are to be real 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 (2:10 p.m. kick-off)
• Scotland vs England – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (4:40 p.m. kick-off)

Sunday February 15

• Wales vs France – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (3:10 p.m. kick-off)

Saturday February 21

• England vs Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (2:10 p.m. kick-off)
• Wales vs Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm kick-off)

Sunday February 22

• France vs Italy – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille (kick-off 3:10 p.m.)

Friday March 6

• Ireland vs Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (8:10pm kick-off)

Saturday March 7

• Scotland vs France – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (2:10 p.m. kick-off)
• Italy vs England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (4:40 p.m. kick-off)

Saturday March 14

• Ireland vs Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (2:10 p.m. kick-off)
• Wales vs Italy – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (4.40pm kick-off)
• France vs England – Stade de France, Paris (8:10 p.m.)