Zoe Aldcroft returns from knee injury to captain England in Women's Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Scotland

Zoe Aldcroft is back from injury to captain England for their crunch Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-final with Scotland at Ashton Gate on Sunday. 

Aldcroft missed her team’s second and third Pool A wins over Samoa and Australia due to a knee problem but is now back fit in time for the tournament to hot up. 

The 28-year-old is back at blindside flanker as one of four changes to the team that started the victory over the Wallaroos last time out in Brighton. 

Holly Aitchison earns a first start of the competition at fly-half while star player Ellie Kildunne is replaced at full-back by Helena Rowland. 

Kildunne is out of the Scotland game due to concussion but it is hoped she will be fit for the last four if England progress. 

Loosehead prop Kelsey Clifford, who scored twice off the bench against Australia, is the other change. 

She replaces Hannah Botterman who hasn’t recovered from a back issue suffered in Brighton. 

England have breezed into the knock-out stages as expected. 

And while Scotland should provide John Mitchell’s side with their toughest test so far, they shouldn’t be capable of an upset. 

‘The first stage of the tournament is behind us and now we enter a new stage of the competition that has an end point,’ said England head coach Mitchell, who has seen his team dominate the Scots whenever they have met in the Women’s Six Nations. 

‘We are adapting well to different situations and while we recognise Scotland have improved, we will still believe we can build pressure on them. 

'This is an exciting challenge that we’re ready for. 

‘We trust our girls to be consistent, take ownership of their roles, embrace the occasion and earn the right to another week in this competition. 

‘The enthusiasm surrounding the tournament has been incredible with support growing across the country. 

'We know Bristol will be no different and the girls are relishing the opportunity to rise to the occasion.’