If not for a fateful day in Cardiff, 2019 could have so easily been England’s year in the Guinness Six Nations.
With strength running throughout the squad, Eddie Jones will have been gutted not to take the Championship.
But with young talents like Tom Curry, Joe Cokanasiga and Ben Earl only set to improve over the next two years, it’s worth looking at England’s 2021 fixtures as they seek to exact revenge on their counterparts.
ROUND ONE – Scotland (H)
Having ended the 2019 Championship on a bittersweet note after a dramatic Calcutta Cup draw against Scotland, England will kick off the 2021 campaign with a home tie against Gregor Townsend’s men.
Squandering a 31-0 lead at Twickenham, England eventually rescued a 38-38 draw after they allowed the visitors to storm back into the game.
The game, however, was essentially a dead rubber after Wales picked up the Grand Slam earlier in the afternoon and England will look to fly out of the blocks in 2021 to put some early points on the board.
When will it be played?
Saturday, February 6, 16.45pm GMT
ROUND TWO- Italy (H)
England’s schedule presents another early home match as they welcome Italy to Twickenham Stadium the following week.
The Azzurri finished at the bottom of the 2019 table, although their spirited performances suggest they are a team on the up.
As of 2019, Italy have never recorded a Test victory over England but the hosts will have to be wary of a talented squad in an intriguing Round Two match-up.
When will it be played?
Saturday, February 13, 14.15pm GMT
ROUND 3 – Wales (A)
While Warren Gatland will no longer be in charge to mastermind Wales, England know they will still be in for a huge clash in Cardiff.
This fixture mirrors the one in 2019, which was effectively a title decider in the middle of the Guinness Six Nations.
The Red Rose will look to avenge their loss last time at Principality Stadium but can their players step up after such a tough loss?
When will it be played?
Saturday, February 27, 16.45pm GMT
ROUND 4 – France (H)
While the result in Cardiff will have a significant impact on England’s mindset as they host their third home fixture of the Championship, there’s always an extra edge when Les Bleus come to town.
England put in arguably their best performance in the 2019 Guinness Six Nations when they ran out 44-8 winners against France in Le Crunch.
And with a crucial tie in Ireland coming up, the hosts know they will need to repeat the feat in Round Four in 2021.
When will it be played?
Saturday, March 13, 16.45pm GMT
ROUND 5 – Ireland (A)
If England manage to come through the trip to Cardiff unscathed, they know playing Ireland in the finale won’t be any easier, especially away from home.
Ireland suffered a frustrating final-day loss in Wales in 2019 – which cost them a shot at the Championship – but this will still be a tough final day for England, especially if the sides are both in with a chance of top spot.
With Wales set to play in the evening, it’s a fantastic chance for England to put pressure on their counterparts as they look to repeat their memorable victory at the Aviva Stadium in 2019.
When will it be played?
Saturday, March 20, 16.45pm GMT
WHAT CHANNEL ARE ENGLAND’S MATCHES ON TV?
For fans in the UK, the matches will be on BBC and ITV. Fans based in France can watch on France Télévisions, while supporters in Italy can watch on DMAX. Fans in Ireland can watch on official host broadcaster, Virgin Media.
Click HERE for the full list of broadcasters.
