England could well be playing just for pride by the time they take the field against France in the Six Nations this afternoon.
Defeat to Wales last time out all but ended their title hopes, with only a highly unlikely Italy victory over Wayne Pivac’s side keeping English hopes alive for the Twickenham Test.
France have won two from two so far but a Covid outbreak continues to affect their squad with as many as 12 positive cases, creating serious doubt over the threat they pose.
England vs France date, time and venue
England vs France is scheduled for a 4:45pm GMT kick-off today, March 13, 2021.
The match will be played behind closed doors at Twickenham due to government restrictions relating to coronavirus.
How to watch England vs France
TV channel: England vs France is being broadcast live on ITV with coverage beginning at 4.15pm.
Live stream: Fans can also tune into the match online via the ITV Hub.
England vs France team news
After six appearances on the bench full-back Max Malins will make his first England start as coach Eddie Jones again resists any temptation to make widespread changes. Elliot Daly drops out.
It is the same situation in the pack where Luke Cowan-Dickie returns as hooker and Charlie Ewels as lock, with Jamie George and Jonny Hill moving to the replacements. Winger Anthony Watson will win his 50th cap.
Centre Ollie Lawrence returns to the squad in place of uncapped flanker George Martin.
Centre Virimi Vakatawa is back in the starting line-up for France after overcoming the knee injury which ruled him out of the wins over Italy and Ireland.
Gael Fickou is alongside Vakatawa, while Matthieu Jalibert starts again at fly-half despite the return of Romain Ntamack from a jaw injury.
Ntamack, who has formed a lethal half-back pair with Antoine Dupont since coach Fabien Galthie took over last year, will be on the bench.
England vs France lineups
England XV: Max Malins, Anthony Watson, Henry Slade, Owen Farrell(C), Jonny May, George Ford, Ben Youngs, Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Kyle Sinckler, Maro Itoje, Charlie Ewels, Mark Wilson, Tom Curry, Billy Vunipola
Replacements: Jamie George, Ellis Genge, Will Stuart, Jonny Hill, Ben Earl, Dan Robson, Ollie Lawrence, Elliot Daly
France XV: Brice Dulin, Teddy Thomas, Virimi Vakatawa, Gael Fickou, Damian Penaud, Matthieu Jalibert, Antoine Dupont, Gregory Alldritt, Charles Ollivon (C), Dylan Cretin, Paul Willemse, Romain Taofifenua, Mohamed Haouas, Julien Marchand, Cyril Baille
Replacements: Camille Chat, Jean-Baptiste Gros, Dorian Aldegheri, Cyril Cazeaux, Cameron Woki, Anthony Jelonch, Baptiste Serin, Romain Ntamack
England vs France head to head (h2h) history and results
- England wins: 59
- France wins: 41
- Draws: 7
- Last meeting: England 22-19 France (Autumn Nations Cup Final, December 2020)
England vs France prediction
England edged Les Blues three months ago in the thrilling final of the inaugural Autumn Nations Cup and I'm backing a similiarly tight affair on Saturday.
Both have the required firepower in attack but certainly capable of a slip up in defence. The hosts to end France's 100 per cent winning record at this year's Six Nations. Just.
England vs France betting odds and tips
- England to win: 8/11
- France to win: 11/10
- Draw: 20/1
Odds via Betfair Exchange (subject to change). Click here to find out more.
