Red Roses coach John Mitchell reveals key quality that made Zoe Aldcroft his ideal captain
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Aldcroft is set to lead England into a home World Cup later this year after replacing Marlie Packer. England head coach John Mitchell has revealed that Zoe Aldcroft’s consistency set the lock apart as the perfect captain to lead the Red Roses into a home Rugby World Cup.
![[Zoe Aldcroft is one of England’s most consistent performers]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/11/03/09/newFile-2.jpg)
Aldcroft has been appointed skipper in a huge year for the dominant England side, replacing Marlie Packer in the role ahead of the Women’s Six Nations. Veteran Packer’s place on the openside has begun to come under threat as youngsters including Sadia Kabeya emerge, while lock Aldcroft is one of the first names on Mitchell’s teamsheet after several years of exceptional performances.
![[John Mitchell (right) has made a bold call]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2024/09/15/07/newFile-4.jpg)
While not necessarily an effusive talker, the Gloucester-Hartpury forward is highly respected within the squad and will hope to lead them to glory on home soil in August and September. Mitchell admitted that he had been considering a captaincy switch virtually since taking the role as England head coach in 2023, with Aldcroft establishing herself as a kindred spirit and ideal leader.
“I love a person who is consistent with their actions,” Mitchell explained. “Zoe’s an athlete and a person who takes great pride in being consistent in her actions and she’s the kind of leader we need in front of us. “I’m not a huge talker, Zoe’s not a huge talker, but at the end of the day the best place is your actions. It allows you to communicate effectively.
