Women's Six Nations 2024: John Mitchell considers Emily Scarratt move to inside centre

Emily Scarratt (left) has not played for England since the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand in 2022

England's Emily Scarratt could move to inside centre in the Women's Six Nations, says head coach John Mitchell.

The 34-year-old, who has been capped 108 times by the Red Roses, has played the majority of her career at outside centre.

Scarratt played at inside centre for Loughborough Lightning following her return from a 13-month injury lay-off.

"Getting her closer to the ball and using that skillset I think is important," Mitchell told BBC Sport.

"I really like her soft hands and her ability to take the ball to the line and she has the ability to play it late.

"There hasn't been a directive, but ultimately I am looking at her as an inside centre."

The World Player of the Year in 2019 injured her neck in January 2023 and chose to have an operation for the sake of her sporting career and her life after rugby.

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Mitchell confirmed Helena Rowland, who can play multiple positions across the backline, is being considered as one of his outside centre options.

The 24-year-old started the Red Roses' Grand Slam decider against France at Twickenham last season at 13.

England have been criticised for their forward-dominated playing style in recent years and this potential centre combination may be an indication about Mitchell's style of play this Six Nations.

"We need to play quicker," Mitchell said. "Our game is developing in the right way, but we want to get quicker at it. I would love us to create even more pressure.

"It helps present more opportunities and the opportunities we get we want to make sure we can attack the opposition or convert in different ways, not just the primary area of the forwards."

The Red Roses begin their Six Nations Grand Slam defence on Sunday away to Italy.

Mitchell wants his players to use their performances on the field to press the case for more home games being staged at Twickenham.

England, who will play Ireland in round four at Twickenham on 20 April, are the hosts for the 2025 World Cup.

"We're 16 months away from a home World Cup and that's of great importance to us," Mitchell said.

"We want to make sure we preserve the opportunity to play at Twickenham because we'd love to play there on a more consistent basis. We've still got a bit of work to do there and that's up to us."