England and France went head-to-head at Twickenham on Saturday night (Image: Getty)
England came from behind to keep their Six Nations title hopes alive during a Saturday night epic against France at Twickenham.
After a scrappy start to proceedings, Louis Bielle-Biarrey opened the scoring for France when he latched on to a stunning Damian Penaud pass splitting the England backline.
It felt as if the floodgates could open thereafter, but it was actually the hosts who found the game’s second try, with Ollie Lawrence able to walk home shortly after an England scrum.
England player ratings vs France
Marcus Smith – 5
Would’ve been disappointed by his performance, even if he was playing slightly out of position. Missed the conversion for Freeman’s try and was once again wide of the mark for a penalty kick a few minutes later. Was taken off kicking duty after Baxter’s try.
Tommy Freeman – 7
Gave England renewed hope of a win when he dragged Fin Smith’s looping pass out of the sky midway through the second half.
Ollie Lawrence – 7
Won’t have scored a much easier try in his rugby career, but on a soggy evening in west London, he kept his eye on the ball to walk home in the first half.
Henry Slade – 6
Managed to stretch his legs a little more late on in the first half when the French defensive line was pushed further back.
Ollie Sleightholme – 6
A menacing figure in the England backline, but failed to clean up a bouncing ball just before Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s try.
Fin Smith – 8
Delightful pass through to Northampton team-mate Tommy Freeman, who did the rest with a tidy takedown. Showed his composure to step up and replace namesake Marcus Smith for kicking duties late on. Converted twice.
Alex Mitchell – 7
With all the limelight on his opposite number Antoine Dupont, England’s No.9 Alex Mitchell held his own.
Ellis Genge – 6
Luke Cowan-Dickie – 6
Will Stuart – 6
Maro Itoje – 6
First Test match win as England captain for the 30-year-old.
George Martin – 6
Tom Curry – 6
Ben Earl – 6
Tom Willis – 6