England v France LIVE: Six Nations result and reaction as England win Twickenham thriller with last-gasp try

England ended their painful losing run with a stunning 26-25 Six Nations victory over France at Twickenham as Elliot Daly’s last-gasp try punished the French for an extraordinary catalogue of handling errors.

The score was somehow 7-7 at half-time when France should have been away and clear, only for a succession of dropped balls to keep England in the hunt.

England clung on but Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s second try with five minutes to go looked to have earned the French a fourth successive victory over their old rivals.

England, however, who faded so often when losing seven games in a row against Tier One opposition over the last year, found a new energy and replacement Daly blasted through for their fourth try at the death.

Fly-half Fin Smith, making his first start, converted to send Twickenham wild and reignite England’s championship hopes following their opening defeat by Ireland.

Relive all the action from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham in our live blog below:

England vs France LIVE

• England beat France 26-25 in dramatic Six Nations clash at Twickenham

• Elliot Daly surged over the line in the final minute to snatch victory.

• Steve Borthwick's side had suffered seven defeats in their last nine games but grabbed a vital win

• REPORT: England find long-awaited answer to stun France and end year of hurt

REPORT: England find long-awaited answer to stun France and end year of hurt

19:02 , Luke Baker

On a day where the Smiths took centre stage, England’s charming men at last achieved the victory they have long sought. Seven times this likeable side had toiled to no avail against top-tier opposition over the last year, seven times coming close but not close enough. But no longer.

This was a win that defied pre-match logic and, in truth, in-match flow, the full-time whistle greeted by an outpouring of emotion befitting a win of some magnitude.

One wonders how the Twickenham crowd will cope when they finally see a straightforward Six Nations contest. This was brilliant and baffling in just about equal measure, far from ideal conditions somehow managing to enrich rather than ruin what appeared a one-sided fixture on paper.

An error-prone France appeared to have conjured enough magic to win the game thrice, only for England – yes, this England – to land an improbable knockout blow.

Read Harry Latham-Coyle’s full report from Allianz Stadium, Twickenham:

England find long-awaited answer to stun France and end year of hurt

Steve Borthwick speaks after England's win

19:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“The players have worked consistently to improved. Today, we managed to push the extra pass at the end. I am really pleased for the players to get the win. Everyone wants that tangible reward to show that progress has been made. The atmosphere was exceptional and the Test match in itself was a great spectacle for everybody.

“I’ve been proud of them every game. They keep trying to get better, they keep wanting to be a really good team. They are a delight to coach. It was by no means perfect. We scored four tries against that defence, which is a very, very good defence. France had lots of chances, they made mistakes in the 22. What really struck me today was how hard the England players were running back. And we had to. They ran back and tried to save tries.”

Maro Itoje explains key qualities that helped England to victory

19:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Incredibly happy with the result,” the England captain says. “I think the team has been working and been consistent throughout this period. The result is a vindication of the hard work. We are happy with the win.

“Steve told the group to be ambitious, he told the group to be brave and go out to try to score tries. Our backs, especially, were incredibly brave and ambitious. They took the ball on when we ordinarily would have taken the conservative option. This game was by no means perfect. Steve will give us an honest review like he always does. We are happy with the win, but we know there are definitely things to improve.”

France lock Emmanuel Meafou rues mistakes after defeat

19:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“I think we just made one too many mistakes, a few too many turnovers and it was a bit wet out there and we dropped too many balls,” the locke

"It didn’t stick for us tonight and the English were better at keeping the possession.

"Our style of play is to kind of let the ball go, a freestyle way of playing, I think we need to be better at bringing it back to the simple things but we will learn from this game.

"We need to get rid of the fancy stuff we force and just let the play happen by itself.

"There are three games left so we will come back stronger."

England battle to win over France

19:14 , Luke Baker

It was an incredible match at Twickenham and the England players were deservedly celebrating on the pitch post-match

Former England head coach Eddie Jones

19:05 , Ciara Fearn

“England are on the threshold of being a really good team. What they need to do is take the learnings from today and really reinforce how they handle difficult moments in matches. How they get on the front foot again and not go into their shell.

“Keep being aggressive, keep attacking.

“It was evident in the second half, they kept going and going and were rewarded. That really aggressive attacking mindset is the way forward for England.”

England head coach Steve Borthwick

19:04 , Ciara Fearn

“I thought it was an exciting Test match and I’m delighted for the players. It was a special atmosphere at the Allianz stadium.

“You want things to happen instantly. This England team is going to be a very good team, there is a lot of young talent and their potential is so high, but you’ve got to do is keep working hard.

"Today, you saw some things improve, you saw their bravery, courage with the ball – they are a team who want to score tries. We scored four tries against a brilliant France defence and restricted them to three."

England captain Maro Itoje delighted for the team

18:57 , Ciara Fearn

"It was a blur. For large parts of the game we weren't as accurate as we wanted to be. I will take responsibility for the line-outs not being as accurate as we wanted them to be.

"One thing I love is we'll fight for each other, and we are going to believe in each other.

"We were brave - that's the foundation of what we want to be doing going forward.

"I am delighted for this team, for the fans, thanks for staying with us. We are going to build from here."

"We need to be consistent throughout the game. We need to be accurate and when we have opportunities we need to capitalise on them, but what I love about this team is we are going to fight.

"We want this to be the foundation of us, and thanks so much for the support.”

Matt Dawson on BBC Radio 5 Live: 'England needed it'

18:51 , Ciara Fearn

“England needed it. They needed the big win. Nobody saw this coming.

“We have got to be honest, that first half England were lucky as France had so many opportunities, but we have been to too many of these games.

“You have got to make the most of your opportunities and England did that.

“England looked threatening, they looked dangerous. My goodness, did they have to work for it.”

18:48 , Luke Baker

It was a superb first start for England fly half Fin Smith, who orchestrated things brilliantly at No 10 and even took over kicking duties late on after Marcus Smith’s struggles.

Here’s what the youngster had to say after the win.

“It was back and forth. We have lost plenty of games and luckily this one went our way today. It was far from perfect but that group fought for it.

"We kept giving ourselves another shot and, we got ourselves over the line in the end. Unbelievable atmosphere, I am delighted with that."

Guinness Six Nations player of the match Fin Smith: 'We backed ourselves'

18:47

“It was back and forth. We have lost plenty of games like that in the past but we won that one today. We kept giving ourselves a shot.

“An unbelievable atmosphere, I am delighted with that. We just backed ourselves and knew we could not go into our shells.

“France are an awesome outfit but we felt the momentum had to go our way at some point. I felt a bit of a rabbit in the head lights at the start but it is awesome to end the game as the man of the match.”

WATCH: Elliot Daly snatches victory for England at the death

18:42 , Luke Baker

Here’s that winning moment. Elliot Daly running a gorgeous line and slicing through for the try to give England victory

FULL-TIME! England 26-25 France

18:39 , Luke Baker

Wow, wow, wow. What an incredible game of rugby. England had lost seven of their last nine matches and made a habit of late defeats.

But that Elliot Daly try has changed the narrative.

FULL-TIME! England 26-25 France

18:31 , Luke Baker

We have time for kick-off! England claim it. One phase and the ball booted into the stands

ENGLAND FINALLY WIN A GAME! It’s huge. All those close losses and finally England get over the line.

Allianz Stadium, Twickenham erupts! I’ve never heard it so loud. This means so much.

TRY! England 26-25 France (Elliot Daly, 80 mins)

18:30 , Luke Baker

England set up the lineout maul but it stalls initially. They try to roll it but are forced to spread the ball.

AND IT’S A TRY!!!! Elliot Daly runs an exquisite line, crashes on to the ball from Fin Smith, slices between defenders and scorches in under the posts.

It’s an easy conversion bang in front and Smith gets it! England lead by a point. OH MY WORD

England 19-25 France, 79 mins

18:28 , Luke Baker

England win a scrappy lineout near halfway but a fairly aimless kick over the top is easily claimed.

England penalty! Great breakdown work by Earl, who takes on three French defenders and wins the penalty. A bit lucky maybe? England don’t care - they kick to the corner.

England 19-25 France, 77 mins

18:27 , Luke Baker

England win the kick-off again - they have been superb in that department today!

They’re into the 22, George pops to Lawrence and he pokes a grubber kick through but it bounces into touch. France survive

TRY! England 19-25 France (Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 75 mins)

18:26 , Luke Baker

And France score! It’s brutally clinical again.

A Fin Smith kick forces Dupont back into his 22 but he runs out, dances around and finds Penaud in space on the right. His kick ahead can’t be claimed and Alldritt takes France into the 22.

They’ve got numbers out left and Louis Bielle-Biarrey has an easy run-in. Thomas Ramos adds the extras and now France lead by six.

What a second half!

England 19-18 France, 74 mins

18:24 , Luke Baker

Swing Low is being absolutely roared around the Allianz Stadium now. Can England finally, finally see a match out? The crowd hope so.

Good kick-off claim and the sides exchange kicks. England could do with winning one of these territory battles.

TRY! England 19-18 France (Fin Baxter, 71 mins)

18:21 , Luke Baker

Lineout five metres out. George picks out Chessum and England surge to a metre away.

And they’re over! Fin Baxter lunges for the line, the referee’s arm goes up and they’ve converted a 22 entry.

Crucial conversion and it’s Fin Smith now on kicking duties after Marcus’s horror show. Pressure on the young man but he nails it! England lead by a point!

England 12-18 France, 69 mins

18:19 , Luke Baker

England have to put the errors out of their mind. They’re still right in this match with 11 minutes left. attacking scrum in the French half and they get a push on

Penalty called! Good work by the front row. This time to the corner...

MISSED PENALTY! England 12-18 France (Marcus Smith, 67 mins)

18:18 , Luke Baker

This is not a dissimilar position to where Marcus Smith made a mess of the last conversion.

And once again, the full back shanks it completely. The ball goes well wide of the left post. It’s been a bad, bad day for Smith.

England 12-18 France, 66 mins

18:16 , Luke Baker

The crowd are really into this now and it’s frantic stuff. Turnovers by both sides and England pinch the ball back in the 22.

They go right and then try a kick through for Freeman to chase but Bielle-Biarrey covers. Bodies everywhere now as Slade and Tom Curry get some treatment.

England have a penalty about 10 metres out for offside. They look set to kick for the posts once play resumes.

England 12-18 France, 64 mins

18:12 , Luke Baker

Here come England again! What a second half we’re having!

Gorgeous hands from Jamie George, who has just come on, and Tom Curry but just as they’re within five metres here’s a knock-on off the hands of Marcus Smith

England 12-18 France, 62 mins

18:10 , Luke Baker

So immediately back to a six-point game! But England are still within one score.

TRY! England 12-18 France (Damian Penaud, 61 mins)

18:09 , Luke Baker

Joe Heyes on for England in the front row.

France immediately back on the attack and they’re into the 22. They patiently run some phases before spreading the ball to the right.

Bielle-Biarrey has wrapped around and his pass to Damian Penaud gives the winger a simple dive over the line.

Tricky touchline conversion for Ramos and his attempt is just wide

TRY! England 12-13 France (Tommy Freeman, 59 mins)

18:07 , Luke Baker

The kick game works for England. A few phases after Tommy Freeman claims the initial kick-off by outjumping Auradou, Fin Smith pops up a lovely up-and-under, Freeman outleaps Bielle-Biarrey this time!

He gathers cleanly, cuts inside Dupont and stretches out for the try. Superb stuff!

Marcus Smith makes a mess of the conversion, completely shanking it across the face of the posts and wide. But it’s a one-point game.

England 7-13 France, 57 mins

18:05 , Luke Baker

Whole new front row for France as Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille and Georges-Henri Colombe come on.

England win the kick-off back with a great chase and have an attacking platform.

PENALTY! England 7-13 France (Thomas Ramos, 56 mins)

18:04 , Luke Baker

French scrum penalty as Baxter is pinged just minutes after coming on. England can’t afford their scrum to fall apart in this second half as replacements enter the fray.

Thomas Ramos goes for the posts from 35 metres, towards the right and he nails it. France lead by 6.

England 7-10 France, 54 mins

18:02 , Luke Baker

Lovely dink over the top by Jalibert but a lunging Itoje gets a hand to it as he retreats to stop the fly half gathering.

Another kick through then sees Ben Earl retreating and he just gets there ahead of Bielle-Biarrey in the in-goal area.

Willis off and Ben Curry on, so Earl will switch to No 8 now

England 7-10 France, 53 mins

18:00 , Luke Baker

Scrappy lineout but Itoje just gets it back on England’s side. However France win the penalty! Celebrations from their pack as they know that was a chance for England.

The hosts leave with zero points from that 22 entry. Fin Baxter on for Genge in England’s front row.

England 7-10 France, 51 mins

17:58 , Luke Baker

Good response by England who win a penalty turnover after good work from Itoje in the ruck. And they kick to the corner. Lineout 10 metres out...

PENALTY! England 7-10 France (Thomas Ramos, 50 mins)

17:57 , Luke Baker

Fairly central, just outside the 22 and this is bread and butter for Thomas Ramos. No mistake and France lead.

Roumat and Boudehent off for France with Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou coming on.

England 7-7 France, 49 mins

17:56 , Luke Baker

French penalty advantage as England are caught offside. This one is kickable if France would like.

Dupont tries to tap and go but the referee isn’t ready and he’s called back. So it’s a shot at the posts instead...

England 7-7 France, 47 mins

17:55 , Luke Baker

Phew! This match is as scrappy as anything but also oddly open and definitely compelling. Weirdly, all the handling errors are coming in phase play - both teams have been impeccable under the high ball.

I wonder if Marcus Smith will be dwelling on that error to take contact just now. England ultimately got away with it but it may be on his mind as this match wears on.

England 7-7 France, 45 mins

17:52 , Luke Baker

Nice move off the back of the French scrum as Alldritt runs right and makes a few metres. Dupont then tries a dart and is swallowed up.

This is now carnage! England turn the ball over and Marcus Smith breaks down the right. He decides to take contact on halfway rather than kicking to space and has the balled ripped out in contact by Bielle-Biarrey.

Bielle-Biarrey then sprints clear down the left, should probably back his pace down the outside but cuts inside Sleightholme who has hared across in defence, throws the inside pass to the supporting Meafou for the walk-in but he drops it and the ball goes forward!

Freeman then picks up the loose ball and sprint down the flank before kicking ahead. Eventually there’s a break in play but how have France not scored?!

England 7-7 France, 42 mins

17:49 , Luke Baker

Great hands by France and Barassi slides between tacklers to reach the 22. But again, the hands let France down as Meafou helps the ball on to his second-row partner Roumat who shells it.

There is a constant drizzle so maybe conditions are slicker than I realised from up here in the dry press seats. Certainly the number of French handling errors would suggest so.

Former England head coach Eddie Jones on ITV:

17:47 , Ciara Fearn

“It’s been a fantastic first-half with continuous play. England will go into half time pretty happy with themselves.

“France have missed a couple of opportunities, so England will have to come out after half-time and play with the same amount of energy.”

KICK-OFF! England 7-7 France

17:46 , Luke Baker

Underway in the second half as Jalibert kicks long.

Both teams could still win this but this is the exact position England keep squandering over the last year. They’re going to have to prove they can win close games.

HT: England 7-7 France

17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

Just as a week ago, England have had to absorb plenty of pressure in that first half, riding the rigours of the French forwards and scrambling well, most of the time, to prevent their backs cutting free. To go in level having had limited ball and territory will please Steve Bothwick - but staying the course has been a persistent problem in the last 12 months. Can they maintain another gutsy defensive effort for longer than they managed in Dublin?

WATCH: First-half highlights as England and France are level

17:39 , Luke Baker

Just two tries in that first half but here they are

HALF-TIME! England 7-7 France

17:34 , Luke Baker

And that’s half-time. A really scrappy opening 40 minutes but a try apiece - both with a slice of luck.

France’s turnover on halfway was fortunate but from there they were clinical, with Bielle-Biarrey latching on to Penaud’s kick for the opening try.

But England hit back. Five metres out with a penalty advantage they went wide where Fin Smith bobbled the ball but it went backwards, Freeman grabbed it, on to Lawrence and over for the score.

All to play for in the second half where England will need to be much better than they have been from minutes 40 to 80 over the past year...

England 7-7 France, 40 mins

17:31

We’re into the red at the end of the half now. England lineout in their own half and they secure it before booting to touch.

England 7-7 France, 38 mins

17:29 , Luke Baker

Can England score again before half-time? They win a penalty near halfway and kick up to just outside the 22.

But it’s an immediate knock-on!

TRY! England 7-7 France (Ollie Lawrence, 36 mins)

17:27 , Luke Baker

Scrum is solid and England are within five metres. A couple of surges push them within a metre.

Penalty advantage coming. Still tight with the forwards before they try to go left. FIn Smith fumbles the ball, Freeman picks it up, one more pass on to Ollie Lawrence and he runs in for the score!

Scrappy but it’s determined that the ball went backwards off Smith and Marcus Smith adds the conversion for 7-7. An element of luck but England won’t care!

England 0-7 France, 34 mins

17:25 , Luke Baker

How do England respond to that blow? Very well.

They surge into the French 22 and even after the turnover, Slade is able to return the kick clear and offload to Freeman who re-enters the 22.

It’s tight down the right but a kick through causes loosehead prop Gros of all people to scramble back and touch the ball down behind his own try-line. Five-metre scrum.

The Twickenham crowd have woken up now and are roaring England on!

TRY! England 0-7 France (Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 31 mins)

17:22 , Luke Baker

England are desperately claiming offside but not given and France have the try!

It’s really unlucky. England have the ball on halfway and Stuart throws a pass backwards under pressure, where it’s stopped by the foot of Cros about 10 yards behind the breakdown, in he midst of the England players

From there, France counter at pace, they sweep left, Dupont picks up a loose ball and arcs round before an inside pass to Penaud, who puts a gorgeous kick in behind for Louis Bielle-Biarrey to collect and touch down for the try. Perhaps fortunate how they got the ball but so clinical from there. Ramos adds the tricky conversion for 7-0

England 0-0 France, 29 mins

17:19 , Luke Baker

More lineout woe for England. Cowan-Dickie’s throw just bounces off the hands of his Itoje and France claim it. That was a great platform just outside the 22.

England 0-0 France, 27 mins

17:17 , Luke Baker

Danger for England as Marcus Smith’s kick clear is blocked and careers back into the 22. Brilliant scrambling from Mitchell to collect the loose ball and just escape two French tacklers, allowing England to exit.

Gros gets over the gain-line with a powerful run but France eventually run out of ideas, the ball goes loose and England have the turnover.

England’s kick-chase has been impressive and it works again. Freeman, Slade and Lawrence close down Ramos on halfway, in comes the cavalry and the turnover is won.

England 0-0 France, 24 mins

17:13 , Luke Baker

Henry Slade is holding his shoulder. We’ll keep an eye on that.

Another good scrum by England - that part of their game is working well so far - and they boot clear beyond halfway. France dominating possession and territory but yet to score.

England 0-0 France, 23 mins

17:12 , Luke Baker

Poor lineout from England. They lose the ball as Curry is outjumped and France have a platform in the 22. They go one way, then the other and now it’s Penaud with the drop!

The space opened up in front of him and the prolific winger looked set to score but the ball bounces off him and hits the deck. Not sure I’ve ever seen France’s stars make so many handling errors! It’s cold but not particularly wet here in south-west London.

England 0-0 France, 21 mins

17:10 , Luke Baker

Would you believe it?! An Antoine Dupont mistake! Maybe he is human, after all...

The speed of the French counter is sublime. Bielle-Biarrey offloads from the floor to Ramos and they’re streaking away down the left. Ramos flings the pass to Dupont but it bounces off his hand and into touch! The try-line may have been at his mercy there - what a huge let-off!

England 0-0 France, 20 mins

17:08 , Luke Baker

Superb carry from Lawrence barrels England over the gain-line and they’re deep in the French 22 now.

Within five metres, they spread the ball to their left but it’s a turnover! France win the penalty and now they tap and go from their own 22!

England 0-0 France, 19 mins

17:07 , Luke Baker

Fair to say, this has been scrappy stuff so far. Dare I suggest that England won’t mind that too much though.

Lots of kicking, with varying levels of success from both sides. Good breakdown work by Curry near halfway as he spoils a ruck and France are pinged for holding on.

Can England make something from a lineout just outside the French 22? The crowd noise rises for the first time...

England 0-0 France, 17 mins

17:05 , Luke Baker

England opt for the scrum, rather than lineout on their own 22 and win the free-kick as France are pinged for too much pressure coming through.

Fin Smith sticks a high bomb up towards halfway and it’s a great kick chase by Slade but he just knocks on as he leaps to contest in the air. Another scrum...

England 0-0 France, 15 mins

17:02 , Luke Baker

An attempted grubber through is blocked by the foot of Slade and he harries after French players to trap them in their own half. They exit with a long kick but Marcus Smith brings England up to halfway.

However, when the visitors next get the ball, Moefana makes good ground before they go right but Penaud knocks on into touch. Sleightholme gives the French winger a slight nudge, he doesn’t take kindly to it and the pair square up! Nothing really in it though.

MISSED PENALTY! England 0-0 France (Thomas Ramos, 12 mins)

17:00 , Luke Baker

Well, well, well. The normally impeccable Thomas Ramos errs from the tee.

A long-distance kick but fairly central, however he skews it wide. Let-off for England.

England 0-0 France, 11 mins

16:58 , Luke Baker

We know all about the might of the French pack but England’s front row look solid and that scrum doesn’t move an inch.

That allows Slade to thump clear towards halfway. France come again and Genge is caught offside, so French penalty 10 metres into the England half. Shot at the posts called...

England 0-0 France, 11 mins

16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham

France were a little scratchy in the first 15 minutes against Wales, and have been so again here, a few handling errors understandable in pretty miserable conditions. England will be concerned to have seen both Ben Earl and George Martin have to receive prolonged treatment inside 10 minutes - even with a six/two bench, you feel they’ll need all the forward bodies they have to go as deep as they can.

England 0-0 France, 10 mins

16:56 , Luke Baker

A couple of phases in the tight for France before they spread the ball right and it’s a lovely dart between tacklers by Ramos into the 22.

But then a great hit by Tom Curry - catches Roumat just as he receives the ball and knocks it loose. Good defensive set by England and they’ll have the scrum in their own 22.

England 0-0 France, 8 mins

16:53 , Luke Baker

France sticking to their typical long, rather than contestable, kick strategy but England holding their own in the kicking battles so far. Bielle-Biarrey contacted in the air as he jumps for a catch and France kick the penalty into England’s half.

They’ll have a platform to build now

England 0-0 France, 6 mins

16:51 , Luke Baker

Chance for France down the left as they attack with pace but Bielle-Biarrey just knocks on as they approach the 22.

Another scrum and England’s front row just about holds. French caught offside, penalty to England but Marcus Smith misses touch with a long kick. Poor

England 0-0 France, 4 mins

16:49 , Luke Baker

First scrum of the day - how will England’s forwards hold up against the might of the French pack?

We have a reset (what else is new...) and France win with the put-in. Probably can’t tell too much from that.

Dupont runs a play off 9 and tries a cross-field kick but it bounces into touch on the 22. England’s lineout is solid and they can exit.

England 0-0 France, 2 mins

16:47 , Luke Baker

Not the best start for Fin Smith as he sees a kick through charged down but England recover possession.

A first chance for Marcus Smith to run from full back and it’s a neat offload but France turn the ball over on halfway,

KICK-OFF! England 0-0 France

16:45 , Luke Baker

And we’re underway at Allianz Stadium. Fin Smith kicks into the evening Twickenham sky!

Anthems completed

16:44 , Luke Baker

A poignant moment of silence for ex-England international Tom Voyce, who tragically lost his life in the recent floods.

La Marseillaise then rings out and there’s a healthy French contingent in the crowd, so it has decent volume.

Then it’s God Save the King and the stadium is properly rocking for that. Kick-off is imminent.

England v France - here come the teams

16:39 , Luke Baker

A rousing rendition of Jerusalem here at Allianz Stadium. And here come the teams.

Anthems incoming

England vs France match officials

16:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)

Assistant Referees: Andrea Piardi (Ita) & Damian Schneider (Arg)

Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)

Foul Play Review Officer: Marius Jonker (SA)

What makes Antoine Dupont so good?

16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Antoine Dupont was simply mesmerising on France’s last visit to Twickenham. But what makes the scrum half so good? With the help of Emmanuel Meafou, Cheslin Kolbe, Ben Spencer, Richard Wigglesworth and more, I tried to find out...

The mystifying qualities that make 'alien' Antoine Dupont the best in the world

Fabien Galthie explains Matthieu Jalibert's return

16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Matthieu Jalibert and Romain Ntamack are almost inextricably linked, U20 teammates who have played a significant part in the other’s story as two genuinely excellent fly halves rose through the ranks together. Jalibert was first to make it to the senior set-up before a serious knee injury opened the door for Ntamack’s emergence, with the Toulouse playmaker seizing the shirt.

His ill-timed injury, though, left Jalibert to take control of the World Cup disappointment, and things have since been complex for the Bordeaux-Begles man. With Thomas Ramos preferred in the autumn, he refused to stay with the squad as a travelling reserve, though Fabien Galthie sought to play down talk of a rift between he and his back-up fly half.

When Jalibert was left out last weekend, though, it might have been fair to question what his future held. Yet Ntamack’s suspension necessitates a return, and Galthie insists that there are no lingering tensions.

“Matthieu is an example of a top quality player who has experienced good and bad moments. He’s had injuries, psychological ones and physical ones. This example is the same for every player.

“Our method was to give the player space, for him to re-energise. The objective is always to be better. His option was to leave the closed-off squad, which is very unique. We had a discussion. There was no scandal, there is no scandal.

“The work was done, together, by Matthieu, his club and us to make sure he came back and was able to be picked. Today, we can pick Matthieu, and we didn’t want to create a power struggle and lose a player who has potential like him.”

Steve Borthwick’s selection shows England’s desperation – but there is logic behind bold calls

16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first start for Fin Smith, a role rethink for Marcus Smith and another back row shuffle - one cannot deny that Steve Borthwick has been bold with his selection. But there is logic to each of his calls:

England selection shows desperation – but there is logic behind bold calls

Team news - France

15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With Romain Ntamack suspended after his sending off against Wales, Matthieu Jalibert returns to the France side at fly half as one of two changes. A fit-again Damian Penaud replaces Theo Attissogbe on the wing, with two tries in the opener not enough for the Pau youngster to remain in the matchday 23. Thibaud Flament remains out, so Alexandre Roumat remains in the second row. Fabien Galthie was rumoured to be considering tweaks to his bench but it is the same group of impact replacements.

France XV: 1 Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2 Peato Mauvaka, 3 Uini Atonio; 4 Alexandre Roumat, 5 Emmanuel Meafou; 6 Francois Cros, 7 Paul Boudehent, 8 Gregory Alldritt; 9 Antoine Dupont (capt.), 10 Matthieu Jalibert; 11 Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12 Yoram Moefana, 13 Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14 Damian Penaud; 15 Thomas Ramos.

Replacements: 16 Julien Marchand, 17 Cyril Baille, 18 Georges-Henri Colombe, 19 Hugo Auradou, 20 Mickael Guillard, 21 Oscar Jegou; 22 Nolann Le Garrec, 23 Emilien Gailleton.

Team news - England

15:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marcus Smith is shifted to full-back by Steve Borthwick as Fin Smith is handed a first international start at fly half, with Freddie Steward dropped entirely from the squad. Tom Willis is called in to the starting back row as Ben Earl slides across to seven, while Ollie Sleightholme is the beneficiary of an unfortunate injury to last week’s debutant, Cadan Murley. A 6/2 bench split is again favoured by the England coach, matching their opponents, with Jamie George and Elliot Daly adding a bit of extra experience.

England XV: 1 Ellis Genge, 2 Luke Cowan-Dickie, 3 Will Stuart; 4 Maro Itoje (capt.), 5 George Martin; 6 Tom Curry, 7 Ben Earl, 8 Tom Willis; 9 Alex Mitchell, 10 Fin Smith; 11 Tom Roebuck, 12 Henry Slade, 13 Ollie Lawrence, 14 Tommy Freeman; 15 Marcus Smith.

Replacements: 16 Jamie George, 17 Fin Baxter, 18 Joe Heyes, 19 Ollie Chessum, 20 Chandler Cunningham-South, 21 Ben Curry; 22 Harry Randall, 23 Elliot Daly.

Steve Borthwick labelled a ‘tall Eddie Jones’ and 'not a people person' by former boss Geordan Murphy

15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick’s former boss at Leicester Tigers has labelled the England head coach as a “tall Eddie Jones” and “not a people person” in an extraordinary attack.

Geordan Murphy worked briefly with Borthwick before leaving Leicester as Borthwick took charge of the club, eventually leading them to a Premiership title.

A club legend as a player, Murphy endured a difficult time as a coach at the club and appears not to have seen eye-to-eye with the now-England boss during his latter months at the club.

The ex-Ireland full-back has claimed that Borthwick made it clear that he did not wish to be Murphy’s friend on arrival at Welford Road, and believes he shares similarities with his former England mentor Jones.

England players have insisted, though, that the environment has improved dramatically since Borthwick’s arrival.

Steve Borthwick labelled a ‘tall Eddie Jones’ and 'not a people person' by ex-boss

Bath bring rising star Henry Arundell back to English rugby as signing spree continues

15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There was significant news for England away from the Six Nations on Thursday as Bath confirmed the signing of Henry Arundell from Racing 92, bringing an eye-catching talent back to the Premiership. The youngster will be back available for national selection in the summer - will Steve Borthwick take him on the tour of the United States and Argentina?

Bath bring Henry Arundell back to English rugby as signing spree continues

Six Nations TV rights - explained

15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This year is the last of the joint agreement between the BBC and ITV to show the Six Nations in the United Kingdom. There is much uncertainty over the future of the competition, as we explore in depth here:

Why the BBC and ITV might be about to drop the ball for coverage of Six Nations

France fly half Romain Ntamack suspended for England clash after red card - but set for speedy Six Nations return

14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Romain Ntamack will miss out for France today after his red card against Wales - but the fly half could make a speedy Six Nations return. Here’s why:

France fly half Romain Ntamack suspended for England clash after red card

‘Tough and brave’ Fin Smith backed to star on first England start against France

14:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Fin Smith has been backed to take the fight to France after Steve Borthwick declared that England’s new fly-half has the defensive steel to match his silky skills.

For the first time Borthwick has picked his two most prominent playmakers in the same backline with Fin Smith making his first start in the number 10 jersey and Marcus Smith replacing Freddie Steward at full-back.

England are already on the back foot in the Guinness Six Nations after falling 27-22 to Ireland in round one and are hoping that the Smiths operating in tandem will unleash their full potential in attack for the visit of France.

All seven of Fin Smith’s previous Test appearances have come off the bench but Borthwick insists the hard tackling 22-year-old is ready to take centre stage at Allianz Stadium today.

‘Tough and brave’ Fin Smith backed to star on first England start against France

England’s painful progress establishes them as rugby’s Manchester United

14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

One of their sport’s richest entities? Check. Perplexing form? Bingo. A number of high-profile players struggling to hit the heights of which they are capable? Sounds familiar. Several years without the titles they crave most? Yep. A head coach pleading for patience as he builds a new team?

The comparison is far from one-to-one but the shared similarities between the plights of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United and Steve Borthwick’s England are evident.

Why England’s painful progress establishes them as rugby’s Man Utd

What England must do differently to save their Six Nations

14:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It always looked a horrendous start for England, with the two of the four best teams in the world back-to-back. Here’s what they need to do differently to avoid another unsuccessful Six Nations campaign:

What England must do differently to save their Six Nations

England vs France talking points: How do you stop Antoine Dupont?

13:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England hope to limit Antoine Dupont’s influence on the game by taking away his time and space, aware that France’s scrum-half genius is deadly off quick ball. By their own admission that is easier said than done against a player nicknamed ‘The Martian’ by his team-mates because, in the words of lock Emmanuel Meafou, “he is not from earth”. Potentially the greatest of all time, Dupont is as complete a player as the game has seen, with his creative masterclass against Wales in round one showing he is operating at the peak of his powers.

England vs France talking points: Borthwick bolsters the bench

13:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

If England are to register an upset, they need more from their bench. In four of their seven consecutive defeats to Six Nations and Rugby Championship opponents, they have failed to score a point in the final quarter, a damning statistic that reveals how ineffective their replacements have been. Action has been taken by picking Jamie George and Elliot Daly as reinforcements against France in the hope their combined 166 Test appearances can help England over the line. A week earlier in Dublin, the bench contained a combined total of only 81 caps and the superiority of Ireland in this area was decisive – a fact not lost on Borthwick.

England vs France talking points: Visitors firm favourites

13:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

France are strong favourites to storm Twickenham and continue their march to a title showdown with Ireland in Dublin on March 8. It is hard to look beyond an away win after Les Bleus crushed Wales in round one, the night before England faded out of contention at the Aviva Stadium. A year ago only a late penalty denied Borthwick’s men in Lyon, yet the scars of 2023 when France inflicted a record 53-10 defeat at Twickenham still remain. England have avoided mention of one of the darkest days in their rugby history at all costs, but it casts a shadow over Saturday even if many of the protagonists have changed.

England vs France talking points: Unleash the Smiths

13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

While full debutant Fin Smith has the responsibility of launching England’s backline amid the belief his skill set at fly-half will allow those around him to shine, his namesake has been given the task of setting France’s defence ablaze from full-back. Borthwick views Marcus Smith as a “game-changer”, who has the ability to “find gaps in defences that most people don’t know are there”. What is being sacrificed in aerial dominance in the backfield, Borthwick hopes will be compensated for by a unique counter-attacking threat that will be given a platform by France’s long kicking game. The experiment of playing Marcus Smith at full-back has previously delivered in flashes, including against the same opposition last year, but this will be its greatest test yet.

Maro Itoje fulfils his destiny as England’s ‘world-class’ leader for the present and future

12:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It will be another proud day for Maro Itoje today as he leads England out at Twickenham for the first time, fulfilling his destiny as captain of his country, as I explored ahead of the tournament.

Maro Itoje fulfils destiny as England’s leader for the present and future

Maro Itoje reveals he turned down huge money from French clubs to become England captain

12:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Maro Itoje has revealed that he turned down lucrative offers from French club rugby due to his unfulfilled ambitions with England rugby .

Itoje leads England into Saturday’s crunch Six Nations clash at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham satisfied that his decision to commit to Saracens in January last year, amid offers from Lyon and Toulon, was the right call.

“The reason I didn’t pursue that is because I wanted to play for England. I felt like my time in an England shirt was not quite done yet,” said Itoje, who is one of 17 players on an enhanced contract with the Rugby Football Union.

“In my heart of hearts, I would have been looking at England playing from across the Channel and I wouldn’t have been at peace with the decision.

“There are a whole load of different factors one can use to determine whether you stay here or go there but, for me, I felt if I went it would have been a bit premature if I went at that time.”

Itoje reveals he turned down huge money from French clubs to become England captain

France star Antoine Dupont relieved not to face Toulouse team-mate Jack Willis

12:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Antoine Dupont is delighted he will not be facing Toulouse team-mate Jack Willis on Saturday in comments that call into question England’s refusal to pick overseas-based players.

Dupont leads France into their Guinness Six Nations showdown at Allianz Stadium where he will be looking to kill off the hosts’ title aspirations by clinching a fourth successive victory in the fixture.

The world’s best player believes the goal has been made easier by England’s rule of only selecting players from the Gallagher Premiership, denying them access to the likes of Joe Marchant, Henry Arundell and Willis.

France star Antoine Dupont relieved not to face Toulouse team-mate Jack Willis

Six Nations 2025 pundits and commentators for ITV and BBC

11:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Eddie Jones will once again be on punditry duties for ITV this afternoon after a slightly disappointing debut from the former England boss in Dublin last week. Here is who else you can expect to see and hear across the tournament:

Who are the Six Nations pundits and commentators for ITV and BBC?

What makes Antoine Dupont so good?

11:15 , Jamie Braidwood

Antoine Dupont was simply mesmerising on France’s last visit to Twickenham. But what makes the scrum half so good? With the help of Emmanuel Meafou, Cheslin Kolbe, Ben Spencer, Richard Wigglesworth and more, I tried to find out...

The mystifying qualities that make 'alien' Antoine Dupont the best in the world

Six Nations 2025 schedule in full: Fixtures, results and table

10:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Six Nations continues this weekend with the best rugby sides in Europe again battling for spring supremacy.

Stay up to date with the latest results, table and upcoming fixtures with our handy one-stop shop for everything you need to know throughout the tournament:

Six Nations: Fixtures, results and table

Steve Borthwick labelled a ‘tall Eddie Jones’ and 'not a people person' by former boss Geordan Murphy

10:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Borthwick’s former boss at Leicester Tigers has labelled the England head coach as a “tall Eddie Jones” and “not a people person” in an extraordinary attack.

Geordan Murphy worked briefly with Borthwick before leaving Leicester as Borthwick took charge of the club, eventually leading them to a Premiership title.

A club legend as a player, Murphy endured a difficult time as a coach at the club and appears not to have seen eye-to-eye with the now-England boss during his latter months at the club.

The ex-Ireland full-back has claimed that Borthwick made it clear that he did not wish to be Murphy’s friend on arrival at Welford Road, and believes he shares similarities with his former England mentor Jones.

Steve Borthwick labelled a ‘tall Eddie Jones’ and 'not a people person' by ex-boss

Is England vs France on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch

09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

When is England vs France?

The round two Six Nations clash between England and France is due to kick off at 4.45pm GMT on Saturday 8 February at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

How can I watch it?

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on ITV1, with television coverage following the conclusion of Italy vs Wales at 4.15pm GMT. A live stream will be available via ITVX.

Steve Borthwick’s selection shows England’s desperation – but there is logic behind bold calls

09:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A first start for Fin Smith, a role rethink for Marcus Smith and another back row shuffle - one cannot deny that Steve Borthwick has been bold with his selection. But there is logic to each of his calls:

England selection shows desperation – but there is logic behind bold calls

England vs France LIVE

Friday 7 February 2025 08:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England face another defining Six Nations day as they bid to end their run of recent near misses against a fearsome visiting French side. Defeat in Dublin last weekend realistically leaves Steve Borthwick’s men having to win here to keep their title hopes alive - and having been dealt a 53-10 thrashing the last time this pair collided at Twickenham, the hosts know they’ll have to get their performance right.

Kick off at Allianz Stadium is at 4.45pm GMT.