Six Nations 2014: Scotland v England - Stuart Lancaster won't be relishing trip to Murrayfield

Lancaster knows back-to-back defeats could be terminal for his England reign as home side seeks ‘dogfight’ on muddy pitch

Stuart Lancaster, the England head coach inspects the pitch during the England captain's run at Murrayfield Stadium (Getty Images)

Murrayfield is a daunting enough place for an Englishman at the best of times, but Stuart Lancaster certainly won’t be relishing his trip there today with the mud threatening to rise above neck level.

After last week’s defeat in Paris, this is now a must-win game for England’s head coach as back-to-back defeats would be unthinkable with a World Cup on home soil just a year and a half away.

Speaking of soil, the state of the pitch could be the deciding factor in Scotland this evening, with the home side confident that the much-publicised degradation of the Murrayfield turf will play into their hands. Indeed, they have been watering it specially.

“If the heavens open at kick-off time and it turns into a dogfight, it will suit the mentality of some of our players,” said Matt Taylor, Scotland’s defence coach.

A dogfight is exactly what Lancaster will hope to avoid.