With victory against the auld enemy, England would dash any Scottish hopes of lifting the trophy, and would take it home themselves if France fail to get the win against Italy later that evening.

Darlington Mowden Park Shark’s Katy McLean will take the armband against Scotland as regular skipper Catherine Spencer only makes the bench.

Worcester's Karen Jones, Richmond's Emma Layland and Bristol's Kim Oliver also return to the England squad for the first time this season after some impressive performances for England A.

Street said: “This is a really strong side - it's the nucleus of the team that played against New Zealand.

“I'm also pleased to welcome back some players with experience. Karen Jones had one of the stand-out performances against Spain for England A as did Kim Oliver.

“Kim started the last world cup final and Karen and Emma were both non playing reserves so there's a host of experience there.”

Scotland name an unchanged side from the team which drew with Italy two weeks ago, the first time they hadn’t lost away in this competition since 2006.

Scotland have accumulated three points in their three games as they prepare for the test of high-flying England at Meggetland and head coach Gary Parker knows they face a difficult challenge.

He said: “Although disappointed not to win against Italy there were still a lot of positives to take out of the game, none more so than gaining our first point on the road since 2006.

“The next challenge couldn't be greater though as the world's best side England arrive looking to maintain their 100 per cent record in the Championship.

“They have set the benchmark for all the teams to aspire to and can be ruthless, as last year's result demonstrated.

“We know the challenge that England will pose and this game will allow us to further measure the improvements we have made this season.”

Ireland and Wales face off at Ashbourne on Friday night and they both come off the back of losses - Ireland losing 22-5 to England and Wales falling 15-3 at home to France.

Both sides also have one win and two losses from their three games and their clash will go a long way to decide who finishes third in the final standings.

While Ireland head coach Kevin West has opted for the same side which lost to France, Lewis has tinkered with his backline as Amy Day come in at half-back for Laura Prosser, while Mared Evans and Ceri Redman start at centre and full-back respectively.