England’s 59-7 thrashing of Scotland in Leicester has set the stage for a thrilling Women's Six Nations Grand Slam decider against France at Twickenham's Allianz Stadium this Saturday. The Red Roses are eyeing a fourth consecutive Grand Slam and a remarkable seventh Six Nations title in a row, but the competition is fiercer than ever, with head coach John Mitchell facing tough calls on his starting lineup. Throughout the Six Nations campaign, Mitchell has rotated through 34 players, aiming to build depth and prepare for the upcoming home Rugby World Cup in August. With the Grand Slam and World Cup in sight, selection headaches have intensified, and several key positions remain up for grabs ahead of the showdown with France. One of the most intriguing decisions lies in the fly-half role. Typically, a head coach sticks with their primary fly-half and builds the team around them, but Mitchell has adopted a different approach this season, experimenting with three different fly-halves in the opening four games. Helena Rowland started the opening match against Italy, with Zoe Harrison taking the reins in wins over Wales and Ireland. Holly Aitchison, who had been Mitchell’s primary fly-half last year, started in the role during England’s comprehensive victory over Scotland. While Harrison’s tactical kicking has earned praise, Aitchison’s kicking improvements, particularly a well-executed nudge behind Scotland's defense and seven out of nine successful conversions, have raised her stock. Aitchison's development in this area has addressed last year’s concerns, and now the battle between her and Harrison is one of Mitchell’s toughest decisions. With France’s dynamic and unstructured attacking game, the tactical kicking of a fly-half could be crucial. Mitchell may lean towards the more disciplined approach of Harrison, but Aitchison has certainly made a compelling case for herself. The scrum-half battle is just as fierce. Natasha Hunt has been Mitchell’s go-to starter, but Lucy Packer’s impact off the bench — especially after replacing Hunt during the Ireland game and helping England turn a 7-5 halftime lead into a dominant 49-5 victory — cannot be ignored. Packer was rewarded with a start against Scotland, where she played a pivotal role in England’s 42-point first half. Mitchell has traditionally preferred Hunt’s experience, but with Packer’s speed and energy, the decision over who will partner the fly-half next week could define England’s Grand Slam ambitions. Hunt’s reliability from the start is well-known, but Packer’s performances have forced Mitchell to rethink his options. The back-row battle is another area of intense competition. Captain Zoe Aldcroft has shifted from lock to blindside flanker this season and remains the only player to start every game. The experience of Alex Matthews, the 2014 World Cup-winner, has been invaluable, but the rise of young Maddie Feaunati, who was player of the match in the opening round and scored two tries in Cardiff, presents a strong case for Mitchell to prioritize form over experience. Feaunati’s excellent performances, especially against Scotland, put her in direct competition with Matthews, who was named player of the match in last year’s Grand Slam decider. Meanwhile, former captain Marlie Packer, now at open-side flanker, is always a presence, with 50 tries and 110 caps to her name. Her leadership and experience, despite the loss of the captaincy to Aldcroft, could be invaluable during this high-pressure encounter. Sadia Kabeya, 23, has impressed when given the chance, showcasing a knack for turnovers and linking play in attack. Her performances earlier in the campaign may put her in contention for a starting role. The wing positions are also under scrutiny, particularly after the return of Jess Breach from a long-term hip injury. Breach, who has yet to score this season, played an important role in England’s Grand Slam-winning campaign last year, forming a lethal partnership with Abby Dow and Ellie Kildunne, who have combined for eight tries this championship. Breach’s return has added a spark to the attack, but her lack of scoring this season means she faces stiff competition from Claudia MacDonald. MacDonald, after missing last year’s Six Nations due to injury, has made an impressive comeback, scoring two tries and winning player of the match against Scotland. Her sharp footwork, high work rate, and consistent performances make her a real contender for a starting spot. Despite Breach’s strong connection with Kildunne and Dow, MacDonald’s form means she won’t be easily overlooked. As England prepare for their Grand Slam decider against France, Mitchell is faced with a series of critical decisions. The contest for starting roles has never been fiercer, and with so much on the line, the selections Mitchell makes will have a profound impact on England’s bid for history. The game against France promises to be a tactical battle, and Mitchell will need to rely on his squad’s depth and experience to secure the win and complete a historic Grand Slam.