England are hoping to derail France’s Grand Slam bid in a mouth-watering Six Nations contest at Twickenham this afternoon.
Les Bleus crushed Italy in their opening match of the tournament before a slender 15-13 victory over Ireland. Their most recent fixture against Scotland was suspended after an outbreak of Covid-19 within the French squad, with star scrum-half Antoine Dupont and coach Fabien Galthie among those to contract the virus.
However, they arrive in England with a near-full strength squad, with Virimi Vakatawa returning at centre while Romain Ntamack is on the bench after recovering from a fractured jaw.
Eddie Jones's side have endured something of a disastrous campaign, suffering a shock defeat against Scotland on the opening weekend, while a dominant victory against Italy was followed by a controversial loss to Wales.
FOLLOW ENGLAND VS FRANCE LIVE: Latest score and updates from Six Nations fixture today
Jones refused to blame the referee for England’s defeat in Cardiff and is adamant England will offer a much-improved performance this time out. “We are of course disappointed that we can’t defend the championship, but that makes this an even more important game,” he said. “We want to show what we are capable of.”
Here is everything you need to know:
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When is England v France and what time is kick-off?
The match will begin at 4.45pm on Saturday 13 March.
How can I watch it online and on TV?
The fixture will be broadcast live on ITV and can be watched online via the ITV Hub.
What are the starting line-ups?
England: Malins; Watson, Slade, Farrell, May; Ford, Youngs; M Vunipola, Cowan-Dickie, Sinckler, Itoje, Ewels, Wilson, Curry, B Vunipola.
Replacements: George, Genge, Stuart, Hill, Earl, Robson, Lawrence, Daly.
France: Dulin; Thomas, Vakatawa, Fickou, Penaud; Jalibert, Dupont; Baille, Marchand, Haouas; Taofifenua, Willemse; Cretin, Ollivon, Alldritt.
Replacements: Chat, Gros, Aldegheri, Cazeaux, Woki, Jelonch, Serin, Ntamack.
What are the odds?
England - 5/6
Draw - 20/1
France - 11/10
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