France vs England Preview & Prediction | 2026 Six Nations Championship | Round 5
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France look to seal another Six Nations title in front of their own fans when they take on a struggling England side at the Stade de France.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / ITV / & Premier Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – BBC’s digital platforms / ITVX / & Premier Player / USA – Peacock
France form: Setback in title hunt
France's Grand Slam hopes were shattered by a 50-40 defeat to Scotland last week, but back-to-back Six Nations titles are very much in their hands after they claimed a losing bonus point at Murrayfield.
Le Bleus have the benefit of knowing exactly what is required ahead of kick-off, given that Ireland and Scotland - the other two nations in the hunt for glory - will have faced off earlier on Saturday. A victory alone would be enough for France in most scenarios, although an added bonus point would almost certainly see them take the spoils.
Last five: WWWWL
England form: Worrying times
An already disappointing Six Nations campaign for England was made all the worse last weekend when they lost to Italy for the first time in their history, with the Azzurri recording a 23-18 success in Rome.
Steve Borthwick's side have now lost their last three matches and it will be their worst ever Six Nations campaign should they fall to defeat in France.
Last five: WWLLL
France team news: Debut for Matiu
Squad: Ramos; Attissogbe, Barassi, Moefana, Bielle-Biarrey; Jalibert, Dupont (capt); Gros, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Meafou, Cros, Matiu, Ollivon
Replacements: Mauvaka, Neti, Bamba, Auradou, Guillard, Brennan, Serin, Gailleton
England team news: Chessum in for Curry
Squad: Daly; Roebuck, Freeman, Atkinson, Murley; F Smith, Spencer; Genge, George, Heyes, Itoje (capt), Coles, Chessum, Pepper, Earl
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Rodd, Davison, Cunningham-South, Underhill, Pollock, van Poortvliet, Smith
France vs England prediction
Only an inspired Scotland at Murrayfield have managed to topple France at this year's tournament, with Fabien Galthie's side within touching distance of winning the Six Nations Championship for the second year in a row.
England, meanwhile, came into this tournament having won 11 games on the bounce, but they have completely unravelled and look shellshocked right now.
They could potentially play spoilers here, as a victory would hand the title to either Ireland or Scotland depending on the result earlier in the day. However, there is little reason to be confident in them given recent performances.
Despite their blip last week, we're expecting France to refocus and deliver a strong performance on home turf, and one that is likely to carry them to the Six Nations title.
France vs England tip: France to win with -13.5 handicap
