England vs France Six Nations 2025 Preview and Prediction
It doesn't get much bigger than this, Le Crunch, Allianz Stadium Twickenham, England v France, 6 Nations.
A 43-point trouncing of Wales last week means that a win for this French side surely puts Fabian Galthier's men in a position to challenge for the championship with a round 4 trip to Dublin pivotal.
However, defeat in Dublin last week leaves head coach Steve Borthwick's job at slight risk with just three wins in eleven test matches outside of those two results. England come into their first home game of this year's championship needing a win to have any chance of challenging themselves.
France win a formality?
Steve Borthwick has made a tough side to beat a hallmark of his coaching career so far, with Leicester Tigers and now England. 15 of England's last 17 matches have been decided by single figure matches, with the two outliers being large victories against Japan.
However, being tough to beat side against any side including Antoine Dupont is commonly a recipe for failure. With his teammates being the most clinical in round one, with an average of 3.6 points per visit to the opposition 22.
Borthwick needs to shut down a threatening French backline, including Bordeaux winger Louis Bielle-Barry and possibly a return for his teammate and Champions cup top try-scorer Damian Penaud.
England however will look to Marcus and possibly namesake Fin Smith to pose more threats to a Shaun Edwards defence than Wales did last week. With the English kicking game being a key feature of the slim successes they had in Dublin.
The red roses have lost their last three test matches against les Bleus with a 53-10 drubbing at Twickenham (now the Allianz stadium) being the largest ever defeat at home.
Selection information
Jamie George has been called up to the England camp as well as Saracens teammate Alex Lozowski has replaced the injured Cadan Murley in.
France will be without fly half Romain Ntmack after his red card against Wales last week. Both sides have gone for 6-2 bench splits.
England
1) Ellis Genge (Vice-Captain), 2) Luke Cowan-Dickie ,3) Will Stuart, 4) Maro Itoje (Captain), 5) George Martin, 6) Tom Curry, 7) Ben Earl, 8) Tom Willis, 9) Alex Mitchell, 10) Fin Smith, 11) Ollie Slieghthome,12) Henry Slade, 13) Ollie Lawrence, 14)Tommy Freeman, 15) Marcus Smith, 16) Jamie George (Vice-Captain), 17) Fin Baxter, 18) Joe Heyes, 19) Ollie Chessum, 20) Chandler Cunningham-South, 21) Ben Curry, 22) Harry Randal, 23) Elliot Daly.
France
1) Jean-Baptiste Gros, 2) Peato Mauvaka, 3) Uni Antonio, 4) Alexandre Roumat, 5) Emmanuel Meafou, 6) Francois Cros, 7) Pierre Boudehant, 8) Gregory Alldritt, 9) Antoine Dupont (Captain), 10) Mattheu Jalibert 11) Louis Bielle-Biarrey, 12) Yoram Moefana, 13) Pierre-Louis Barassi, 14) Damian Penaud, 15) Thomas Ramos,16) Julian Marchand, 17) Cyril Baille, 18) George Henry Colombe, 19) Hugo Auradou, 20) Mickaël Guillard, 21) Oscar Jegou, 22) Nolan Le-Garrec, 23) Emile Gailleton.
Players to watch
England – Ollie Lawrence
The Bath man has recently made the 13 shirt his own for country, with his powerful running and quick feet as well as his defensive role being key should England get anything in round two.
France – Gregory Alldritt
For me the best number 8 in the Northern Hemisphere, Alldritt is a workhorse round the park and scored against Wales. An all action forward looking to nullify a strong England back row.
Prediction – France backs to run riot?
Galthiers Les Bleus have the edge over England in recent time and i expect them to continue this run in round two. With an electric back three and the best player in the world at 9 they will have too much in attack for England.
England 18- 33 France.
Where to watch
Coverage on ITV One and ITV X starting from 4 o'clock.