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For rugby union fans, very few fixtures carry the weight and tradition of England vs Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, home of Scottish rugby. The Calcutta Cup. While England historically held the head-to-head advantage, recent years have seen a dramatic swing towards the Scots in their own backyard.
When Was The Last England Victory at Murrayfield?
Well, as painful as it is to remind ourselves here in England, the last time England beat Scotland in Edinburgh was on 8 February 2020 in the Six Nations Championship. Pre Covid Era. In heavy weather and a bruising contest, England secured a 13–6 victory, their last success at Scottish Gas Murrayfield Stadium. It’s been more than a minute.
That match was the archetype of attritional rugby:
Heavy conditions forced both teams into kicking, tight exchanges, and territorial chess rather than expansive rugby.
England’s forwards dominated the physical exchanges, and possession was prioritised over running rugby.
Ellis Genge, the powerful loose-head prop, scored England’s only try from close range, a testament to England’s grunt up front.
Owen Farrell, the Iconic former captain, fresh off a runners up World Cup 2019 campaign, kicked over the remaining points to secure victory and bragging rights.
This victory was built less on free-flowing attack and more on territorial dominance, disciplined defence, and seizing the moments at the breakdown and set-piece.
How England’s Strategy Has Evolved Since Madness At Murrayfield
During Jones’ tenure, especially in the 2016–2020 period, England’s game was often characterised by:
Structured territory and tactical kicking.
Forwards-led control: Strong scrummaging and breakdown efficiency to grind down opponents.
Conservative attack: Priority on reducing errors and exploiting opposition mistakes rather than expansive backline flair.
That 2020 win at Scottish Gas Murrayfield reflected Eddie Jones’ focus: grind out a game in adverse conditions, keep Scotland pinned back, and capitalise on chances when they came. Winning against Scotland was considered light work under Eddie Jones.
Transition to Steve Borthwick (2022–present)
When Steve Borthwick took over in late 2022, there was a visible shift in philosophy:
Development of a broader skillset: Steve Borthwick has backed a mix of physical enforcers and creative athletes, aiming for adaptability across different match situations.
Retention and continuity: More emphasis on keeping the ball alive, building phases, and not just playing territory.
Youthful aggression: The integration of dynamic players capable of both physical confrontations and creative breaks.
This has led to a team that, while still valuing physicality, is more willing to take risks and adapt its game plan compared to the more structured Jones era. Borthwick’s England are closer to the final product, with an identity, balancing power with measured creativity, but they have yet to replicate a road win against Scotland since that 2020 fixture. The time is now, Gentlemen.
Scotland’s Rise Under Gregor Townsend
While England were building under Jones and then re-shaping under Steve Borthwick, Scotland blossomed into a far more threatening opponent at Murrayfield:
Attacking flair: With players like Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu and Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland have blended World Class creativity with a consistent physical threat.
Home confidence: The Scottish National Anthem,Flowers of Scotland, doesn't stop ringing in your mind until you’ve left the stadium. Scotland have won multiple Six Nations home fixtures against England since 2020, the latter in 2024, being their fourth successive Calcutta Cup triumph, a streak not seen since over a century ago. No chance of any Youtube highlights, anyone?
This shift in results reflects not just Scotland’s tactical evolution, but also a mental edge at home, a deep belief that they can not only compete with but beat England on their own turf.
Player Profiles & England’s Selection Identity
A key part of England’s modern approach under Steve Borthwick has been the type of players selected blending physicality, versatility and power across the squad:
The current English Head Coach has prioritised players who can impose themselves in collisions and dominate the contact zone, from dominant forwards to powerful backs capable of breaking tackles. Tommy Freeman, Tom Roebuck and Henry Arundell offer line-breaking threat, while players up front deliver the heavy yards and defensive solidity essential in Six Nations battles. It also means the likes of Marcus Smith has to take a back seat, making an impact off the bench. Like Christopher Nolan said to Matt Damon, ‘There are no small parts’.
Borthwick’s selections often favour players who can occupy multiple roles, giving England tactical flexibility. Once again, England’s Marcus Smith was once considered undroppable, however he’s now been able to shift between full-back or fly half, albeit from the bench. This has allowed George Ford to reestablish the fly half position as England remain unbeaten since losing to Ireland at the beginning of the 2025 Six Nations. Just like the Jadakiss and Fat Joe Podcast, there’s so much versatility and excitement watching backs like Tommy Freeman and Henry Arundell, who offer options across multiple channels. Ben Earl meanwhile, could be the Ben Stokes of the English Rugby team, a pure all rounder.
This adaptability contrasts with earlier eras where specialists were preferred strictly within rigid positional confines, giving England more tools to respond to dynamic match scenarios.
Conclusion: Looking Back to Look Forward
The 13–6 victory at Murrayfield in February 2020 stands as England’s most recent triumph in Edinburgh, but it also highlights how much has changed since then, tactically, mentally, and in how teams are constructed.
That win was built on grit and structure, emblematic of the Jones era’s strengths.
England’s current identity under Borthwick seeks versatility and controlled aggression, blending power with adaptability.
Meanwhile, Scotland have evolved into a fearsome home side, blending creative attack with defensive intensity, making Murrayfield an increasingly challenging venue for England.
England vs Scotland was my first Six Nations Match. As a Fan watching on TV in 2005. As a Journalist in 2025. Valentine's Day is on hold. As both nations continue to evolve, that 2020 result remains a benchmark and a motivator for England in future Calcutta Cup battles. The old Enemy rivalry continues and is heightened after last season's last minute drama, whilst it remains one of rugby’s richest and most compelling theatres.