England’s Six Nations squad faces a brutal injury crisis as front rower Hannah Botterman requires a second ankle operation after a December Bristol clash, while back rower May Campbell heads for knee surgery next week. The pair’s absences deepen a depth problem that has already cost the side a World Cup‑winning core.

Adding to the turmoil, lock Alex Matthews will miss Saturday’s clash with Scotland after a shoulder injury sustained in the 33‑12 opening win over Ireland. John Mitchell has drafted Saracens prop Liz Crake and Bristol Bears second‑row Delaney Burns into the squad as cover, but the injury list now exceeds a dozen players.

Earlier this week, lock Morwenna Talling and scrum‑half Natasha Hunt were ruled out for the rest of the tournament with leg injuries, while the pregnant trio—Zoe Stratford, Abbie Ward and Rosie Galligan—remain sidelined indefinitely. With a third‑row casualty, England’s front‑line options narrow, forcing a strategic reshuffle that could reshape the team’s campaign.

The cumulative loss of nine senior players threatens England’s competitive edge in the Six Nations, especially after a 33‑12 opener that exposed depth gaps. Fans will watch how Mitchell’s bench rebuilds, as the national side prepares to face Scotland without a full complement of established talent.