Ellie Kildunne returns from a concussion sustained in England’s final pool-stage game against Australia a fortnight ago to take her place as starting full-back in the Rugby World Cup semi-final against France on Saturday.

The 26-year-old World Player of the Year sat out of the quarter-final win over Scotland, but has come through the necessary medical checks to add pace and attacking intent to England’s back three.

“Ellie is intuitive and can break open a game, she’s not someone you try to confine to structure,” said England head coach John Mitchell.

“You have to give her some element of structure, but beyond that, it’s all about her freedom to make decisions, and she just happens to be an amazing athlete.

“That stride of hers, when she gets into one-on-ones or creates half a metre of space in a duel, makes her very difficult to handle.”

Prop Hannah Botterman – who has been a force in the loose and at the breakdown so far at the tournament – returns at loose-head prop after back spasms, replacing Kelsey Clifford, who scored two tries against Scotland in her absence.

Zoe Harrison’s game management means she is preferred at fly-half to Holly Aitchison, who impressed at times against Scotland but whose higher-risk game did not always come off in wet conditions.

Aitchison, 28, had been Mitchell’s regular starting fly-half until Harrison’s form led to her taking the spot during this year’s Women’s Six Nations.

Despite being known for her kicking game and control, since 2023 Harrison’s involvement in tries per 80 minutes is nearly double that of Aitchison at 1.8 to 1.0.

Saracens fly-half Harrison started the World Cup final defeat by New Zealand in 2022 and is now in pole position to do so again if Mitchell’s side make the final.

“I’m big on consistency and reliability, and the [matchday] 23 demonstrate that,” added Mitchell.

“Zoe has grown her game and is playing with confidence, so from that point of view, it’s important that she plays, she suits the way we’re playing at the moment.

“We don’t need to be perfect in this tournament, we just need to be effective. And right now, she’s very effective.”

Abbie Ward is promoted from the bench and will partner Morwenna Talling, whose player of the match performance against Scotland earns her the nod over Rosie Galligan, in the second row.

Holders New Zealand and Canada meet in the other semi-final on Friday night.