England overpower Scotland in the Women’s Six Nations and pull further clear at the top despite finishing with 14 players – but are forced to shrug off discipline criticism

England shrugged off criticism over discipline after overpowering Scotland in Edinburgh despite finishing with 14 players.

Their third bonus-point win saw them surge further clear in the Six Nations table and extended their winning streak in the competition to 27 matches.

But while there was no doubting the Red Roses going forward as they ran in eight unanswered tries, coaches were left fending off questions over ill-discipline following Amy Cokayne’s sending off.

Cokayne, sin-binned for a tip tackle on Evie Gallagher, received another yellow for a high shot on Lana Skeldon.

The hooker was the second England player ordered off in three matches after Sarah Becckett’s red card against Italy.

England agonisingly lost the 2022 World Cup final to New Zealand after Lydia Thompson’s early dismissal and former England star Maggie Alphonsi said she is ‘worried’ by the number of cards being shown.

‘They do need to improve because you don’t want to lose a World Cup final again because of a red card so they have to work on it,’ she said.

England will host the next World Cup in 2025 but attack coach Lou Meadows does not share Alphonsi’s concern.

‘We are not worried about our discipline,’ Meadows said. ‘These things happen because we play with such ambition.

‘We want the ball so we are going after it and trying to get it back to then retain it. There is a bravery and then a level of risk attached.

‘Sometimes we are not as disciplined in the risk-taking side of it but that will come from our technical training.’

Ellie Kildunne and Jess Breach grabbed two tries each while Abby Dow, Cokayne, Sadia Kabeya and captain Marlie Packer also crossed.