England half-back Alex Mitchell has warned his side to prepare to face an “injured” Scotland side who are looking for a reaction after their Six Nations defeat to Italy.

Scotland were beaten 18-15 in Rome, while Mitchell’s England got off to an impressive start with a 48-7 bonus-point victory over a weaker Wales side.

But despite his side’s emphatic victory, the Northampton Saints star stressed that England will do everything they can to break a losing streak at Murrayfield that dates back to 2020.

“I think it’s going to be a tough Test match, like they always are,” Mitchell said. “Obviously, they are a quality team.

“They’re hurt by the result against Italy last week. So, they know they’re going to be on fire in the first 20 games.

“I think, obviously, there’s going to be a huge reaction. I think that always happens after a loss. You’re obviously frustrated and you want to get on to the next game as quickly as possible. So, yes, they’re going to get hurt and obviously going home will be a huge boost for them.”

Mitchell, who will make his 29th cap for England, has been a key part of the side’s 12-game winning streak and will welcome the chance to mend the wounds of the past with another win in Edinburgh.

“I personally can’t wait. It’s my first time actually coming to Murrayfield.

“I’m really excited about the atmosphere here – the bagpipes, everyone supporting the team. I love that. I love these environments. You want to play in the best stadiums in the world and this is definitely one of them.

“It’s frustrating, not getting a few wins. It’s always a different team every season, isn’t it? It’s a new team with a lot of confidence. And, yes, the lads are hungry to get out there and perform.”

Murrayfield clash tests in-form England’s mettle

Sky Sports News’ James Cole at Pennyhill Park:

“After winning 12 games in a row, England now travel to Scotland at Murrayfield, a venue they have not won in six years.

“They have been given a boost by the return to fitness of several players, notably their outside center Ollie Lawrence. Tommy Freeman, a winger, could return to the wing if he joins the team.”

“Freeman started at number 13 against Wales but that will likely mean Henry Arundel will have to miss. That seems cruel for Arundel to score a hat-trick against Wales.

Fly-back Finn Smith and full-back George Furbank have also returned to fitness. But England will be without Manny Fahey-Waboso. He suffered a hamstring injury ahead of the Wales game and is likely to miss the entire Six Nations.

“Forward Mauro Itoje started on the bench on Saturday and is likely to return to the starting lineup following the death of his mother.

“Meanwhile, Ellis Genge did not train with the England squad today. He has a hamstring injury but I know he will probably be fit at the weekend.

“As I said, Murrayfield has not been a happy hunting ground for England in recent years, but if they are to become genuine Six Nations contenders this time around, a win this weekend is a must.”

Men’s Six Nations (all kick-off times are GMT)

Thursday, February 5

Saturday, February 7

Saturday, February 14

• Ireland vs Italy – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (kick-off 2.10pm)
• Scotland vs England – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (kick-off 4.40pm)

Sunday, February 15

• Wales vs France – Cardiff Principality Stadium (kick-off 3.10pm)

Saturday, February 21st

• England vs Ireland – Allianz Stadium, Twickenham (kick-off 2.10pm)
• Wales vs Scotland – Principality Stadium, Cardiff (kick-off 4.40pm)

Sunday, February 22

• France vs Italy – Stade Pierre Mauroy, Lille (kick-off 3.10pm)

Friday, March 6

• Ireland vs Wales – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (kick-off 8.10pm)

Saturday, March 7

• Scotland vs France – Murrayfield, Edinburgh (kick-off 2.10pm)
• Italy vs England – Stadio Olimpico, Rome (kick-off 4.40pm)

Saturday, March 14

• Ireland vs Scotland – Aviva Stadium, Dublin (kick-off 2.10pm)
• Wales vs Italy – Cardiff Principality Stadium (kick-off 4.40pm)
• France vs England – Stade de France, Paris (kick-off 8.10pm)