Six Nations 2026: Chris Ashton details the 'fascinating battle' where Scotland players can hurt England in Calcutta Cup clash at Murrayfield

Scotland and Gregor Townsend appear to be heading into last-chance-saloon territory if they want to make a serious challenge for the Six Nations title. After a sobering defeat to Italy in their opening match, the focus will be on bouncing back quickly against England at Murrayfield. Chris Ashton had his say on where Scotland can find some joy against their in-form, fiercest rivals.

Scotland will be the big underdogs heading into a mouth-watering Six Nations clash against England, but Chris Ashton has identified a key area where they can hurt Steve Borthwick’s side.

England are aiming for a first Calcutta Cup victory at Murrayfield since 2020. And while Ashton expects them to get the job done, he believes the centre partnership of Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones against Tommy Freeman could be key in achieving an upset.

The former England wing was speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of the PREM Rugby Cup clash between Harlequins and Northampton Saints, as the visitors claimed a 24-40 victory.

Nations Championship

Borthwick hits out at ‘negativity committee' amid warning over discipline

19/07/2026 at 13:21

He said: "That head-to-head is clearly going to be massive but Tommy has been one of England's best players consistently now, year-on-year.

"I don't think it really matters where he plays. He's good everywhere he plays, but it's going to be a fascinating battle.

"However, it's going to be a whole team thing and there’s so much pressure on Scotland. There's so much noise around [head coach] Gregor Townsend and what's going on there.

"The fact he's not changed the backline, I don't know if that puts more pressure on these guys, but if they beat England tomorrow, all the noise quietens down."

Speaking more generally about the match, Ashton explained that all the pressure is on Scotland and under-fire boss Townsend.

He continued: "I expect England to win tomorrow. I think there's a lot been said about this Scotland team; they have to win tomorrow, they have to, for Gregor, for everything, to keep their Six Nations alive at all.

• Desperate team v aggressors - Captains rally troops for Scotland-England clash
• Itoje returns, Smith left out as England make changes for Scotland clash
• ‘No smoke without fire’ – Healey on Townsend links as Dickens confirms exit

"But for me, England just have the capabilities and all the fundamentals of Test match rugby to a really high standard at the minute. I expect England to go to Scotland tomorrow and win."

Danny Care echoed Ashton’s sentiments but is expecting a close contest and added: "I said England by five or six tomorrow. It's going to be tight, absolutely, especially the Calcutta Cup up in Murrayfield, but I expect England by six."

Asthon was then pressed for his prediction and replied: "England by 12."

Scotland skipper Tuipulotu had already issued a rallying cry to his team-mates heading into Saturday’s match, and believes they are "a desperate team" after last week's result.

Highlights: McParland stars as Northampton come from behind to beat Harlequins

Video credit: TNT Sports

He said: "We're playing for our championship on Saturday, there's no doubt about that.

"You can't lose two games in a Six Nations and expect to be in contention at the back end. So, yeah, we're a desperate team at the moment and I want to see that desperation in the players.

"Definitely on their run of form, they deserve to come in really confident, but Calcutta Cup matches are often a little bit different, and it doesn't really matter what form any team are coming with.

"It's kind of like a derby match when you're playing club footy. You wonder why those games are so tight if you look at the form coming into them, and it's because there's a lot on the line.

"I'm expecting to see an emotional England team, and I'm also expecting to see an emotional Scotland team.

"I kind of feel lucky that it is a Calcutta Cup match because we won't lack any motivation and neither will they. And it makes for a great game."

---

Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM and Premiership Women's Rugby on TNT Sports and discovery+ 

Nations Championship

England name unchanged starting XV for Argentina clash in Nations Championship

16/07/2026 at 13:10

Nations Championship

'Box office' Pollock draws Bellingham comparisons with hat-trick after England let 'shackles off'

11/07/2026 at 19:23