England vs France Preview & Prediction | 2023 Six Nations Championship

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THE FACTS

When is England vs France on and what time does it start? England vs France will take place on Saturday 11th March, 2023 – 16:45 (UK)

Where is England vs France taking place? England vs France will take place at Twickenham in London, England

Where can I get tickets for England vs France? Ticket information for England vs France can be found on each nation’s official website

What channel is England vs France on in the UK? Television coverage is shared between BBC and ITV so it is worth checking their schedules for England vs France

Where can I stream England vs France in the UK? If televised live on BBC, England vs France can be streamed live on iPlayer, while ITVX is the place to go if the match is on ITV

THE TEAM NEWS

ENGLAND

• England made it back-to-back wins to keep their Six Nations hopes alive but there is still plenty of room for further improvement having seen off Wales last time out.
• Steve Borthwick is still trying to figure out his best side and has opted to make a huge change here with captain Owen Farrell dropping to the bench in place of Marcus Smith who will slot in at fly-half.

Starting XV: Steward; Malins, Slade, Lawrence, Watson; Smith, Van Poortvliet; Genge, George, Sinckler; Itoje, Chessum; Ludlam, Willis, Dombrandt

Replacements: Walker, M. Vunipola, Cole, Ribbans, B. Curry, Mitchell, Farrell, Arundell

FRANCE

• France overpowered Scotland in an entertaining clash but the game was in the balance until the dying stages with the French needing a late try from Gael Fickou to secure the victory.
• They are still in the hunt to retain their Six Nations crown but will need to win this contest and have made three changes on the back of their victory over the Scots with Jonathan Danty set to make his first start in the Six Nations in the centres.

Starting XV: Ramos; Penaud, Fickou, Danty, Dumortier; Ntamack, Dupont; Baille, Marchand, Aldegheri, Flament, Willemse, Cros, Ollivon, Alldritt

Replacements: Mauvaka, Wardi, Falatea, Taofifenua, Macalou, Lucu, Moefana, Jaminet

THE PREDICTION

This game could go some way to determining which side wins the Six Nations with both hoping Ireland slip up in their final two matches. England and France will both be hoping to pounce with the former due to face the Irish in the final game. This will be an intriguing clash with both teams capable of prevailing but all eyes will be on England’s #10 Marcus Smith who has been named in place of skipper Owen Farrell. That could prove to be a masterstroke from Steve Borthwick but this French side will be tough to beat and they are the slight preference here.