2025 Guinness Six Nations WK3 Preview - England vs. Scotland: Can the Red Roses snap their losing streak against the Bravehearts? February 20, 2024 by Marc Jerbs

The annual showdown between England and Scotland, famously known as the Calcutta Cup, remains a standout fixture in the Six Nations calendar. Set for February 22, 2025, at 4:45 PM GMT, this highly anticipated clash at Allianz Stadium in Twickenham promises an intense battle as both teams vie for a pivotal victory in their respective campaigns.

England enters the match riding the momentum of a dramatic last-minute 26-25 victory over France, a result that showcased their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. This hard-fought win has injected confidence into Steve Borthwick’s squad, who are determined to reclaim dominance over Scotland after suffering four consecutive defeats in this fixture. Meanwhile, Scotland arrives on the back of a disappointing 32-18 loss to Ireland, a game where they struggled to find cohesion and scoring opportunities. However, the Scots have enjoyed recent success at Twickenham, remaining unbeaten in their last three visits, adding further intrigue to this contest.

Six Nations WK3 England vs. Scotland Sports Bet Odds

The Red Roses are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Red Roses are favored by 4.5 points, with a match result of 1.31.
• The Bravehearts are the underdogs by 4.5 points, with a match result of 3.75.
• Tie has a match result of 26.00.
• Total Goals is set at 46.5 points, with the Under at 1.90 and the Over at 1.90.

The performances of key players will be instrumental in shaping the outcome. England’s fly-half Marcus Smith has been in exceptional form, particularly in the win against France, where his tactical kicking and playmaking proved decisive. He is backed by the physicality and relentless work rate of Tom Curry, who plays a crucial role in both attack and defense, especially at the breakdown.

For Scotland, Finn Russell remains a game-changer. Renowned for his creativity and precision kicking, he will be central to orchestrating Scotland’s attacking play against a disciplined English defense. On the wing, Duhan van der Merwe’s combination of speed and power makes him a major threat, capable of exploiting any defensive lapses in England’s backline.

Tactics will play a significant role in determining the victor. England will likely focus on their set-piece dominance, particularly in the lineout, an area where they have faced challenges in previous matchups. Borthwick’s men will aim to control possession, maintain high-intensity pressure, and capitalize on scoring opportunities while minimizing turnovers. Scotland, on the other hand, will look to dictate the tempo through quick rucks and strategic kicking, seeking to isolate England’s backline and disrupt their rhythm. Their defensive discipline will be crucial in absorbing England’s attacking pressure and turning defense into counterattacking opportunities.

As Week 3 of the 2025 Guinness Six Nations approaches, this historic clash at Twickenham sets the stage for another compelling chapter in rugby’s fiercest rivalry. England is determined to reassert their dominance and strengthen their championship aspirations, while Scotland looks to extend their recent success and solidify their standing as genuine contenders. With both teams boasting world-class talent and tactical prowess, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that will not only shape the Six Nations landscape but also add another memorable moment to the legacy of this storied rivalry.

2025 Guinness Six Nations Table

	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Drawn	Points Difference	Bonus Points	Total Points
1	Ireland	2	2	0	0	+19	2	10
2	France	2	1	0	1	+42	2	6
3	England	2	1	0	1	-4	2	6
4	Scotland	2	1	0	1	-2	1	5
5	Italy	2	1	0	1	-5	0	4
6	Wales	2	0	0	2	-50	1	1