England ratings: Fin Smith shines from fly-half but Marcus Smith’s missed kicks almost cost England vs France

SUPERB England put the past behind them to BEAT one of the best French side’s in living memory in a thrilling 26-25 Six Nations crunch clash.

People were saying prayers for England before kick-off but Steve Borthwick’s much changed outfit won it at the death at Twickenham.

France’s last Six Nations visit saw the Red Roses sink 50 points – but England’s encouraging defensive start forced the visitors out of their usual rhythm.

With the two Smiths experiment somewhat paying off, it took them 20 minutes to ask questions of the French defence, but their eagerness left them exposed to the counter.

England did ride their luck early on as France were not their usual selves with countless unnecessary knock-ons – superstar Antonie Dupont included.

All of Borthwick’s side’s hard work was undone when Luke Cowan-Dickie’s wayward line-out throw saw Louis Bielle-Biarrey score the first try.

But vintage England mounted a brave and superb response with a fluidity in attack fans could only dream of.

Here SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rates and slates each England player from a deafening Twickenham.

Marcus Smith – 5

Mixed bag. Cut a composed figure in the first half while carrying out his new designated full-back task.

But several mistakes almost cost his side the win, including a blocked grubber, a stopped carry, a bad knock-on in front of the try line and TWO missed kicks – one of which was a rather simple conversion.

Tommy Freeman – 6

Few chances to really explode down the wing and among those outfoxed by Bielle-Biarrey for France’s first try.

Scored England’s second try but I’m not sure the Northampton man is a game-breaker.

Ollie Lawrence – 7

Great turnover to get inside the French 22 early on but England failed to do anything with it – and the visitors got their first try moments later.

Fended off Ramos with ease for his try that levelled the score on the brink of the interval.

Henry Slade – 7

Was always in the right place at the right time with his tackles and interceptions.

Brilliant drive and carry ahead of England’s equalising try and made a stream of big hits as he defended with relish and passion.

Ollie Sleightholme – 5

Silly territory kicks played to the French advantage early on. But linked up well with Fin Smith often.

The left-wing was caught in heated exchange with Damian Penaud.

Fin Smith – 8

First start in seven caps saw Borthwick take advantage of a successful club partnership but was shaky in the opening 40 minutes.

The fly-half grabbed control of the second half, took over the kicking duties from Marcus and dragged England over the line.

Alex Mitchell – 6

Worked hard to support his Northampton team-mate and was unlucky not to have scored a try in the first half.

Ellis Genge – 6

Conceded too many penalties early on, again. Luckily for him, Ramos surprisingly missed a nailed on one.

The loose-head prop made some great take-downs later on and found fault with his opposite number’s technique in the scrum.

Luke Cowan-Dickie – 5

His wayward line-out throw was gobbled up by France for their try when Martin couldn’t grab hold of it.

His effort was there for sure, but a few handling errors led to silly penalties given to France which they took with gratitude.

Will Stuart – 6

Another whose best work goes unrecognised by most but he showed the same application as his team-mates.

Maro Itoje – 4

Immense down the stretch as England worked so hard to stay in it, although was perhaps better against Ireland last week.

George Martin – 5

Missed ball on a line out early on and for France’s first try. Replaced by Chessum on the hour mark.

Tom Curry – 6

Kept turning the ball over to help England complete several defensive escape acts.

Was denied a try after being scythed down by a stunning Jegou tackle, but was involved throughout.

Ben Earl – 6

The Saracens star was more effective from No 7 this week and busted his guts from the first to last minute to show his mentality.

Tom Willis – 5

Wasn’t up to his usual stuff in ball carrying duties. Replaced just after half-time.

Replacements:

Fin Baxter (’50 for Genge) – 6

His close range try lifted the England fans for the closing, before Bielle-Biarrey grabbed his brace to stun the stadium into silence.

Ben Curry (’53 for Willis) – 6

Came on just as the tide really started to turn against France.

Jamie George (’61 for Cowan-Dickie)- 7

The veteran hooker’s introduction with 20 minutes to go had an instant effect as he carved through the French back line to tease a third England try.

Ollie Chessum (’61 for Martin) – 6

Back after injury and gave England extra line-out capacity in the final stages.

Joe Heyes (58′ for Stuart) – 6

Elliot Daly (’75 for Slade) – 7

A lightning injection of pace to broke through the French defence his match-winning try, which even Dupont couldn’t prevent.