England coach Steve Borthwick has praised fly-half Fin Smith and hailed all his players' character following their 26-25 win over France at Twickenham on Saturday.

There has been an understandable reluctance bordering on a collective amnesia within the England camp to confront the reality of France’s last visit to Twickenham.

Steve Borthwick's side put end to painful run as Fin Smith stars in win to saviour - England left it late to avoid an eighth straight defeat against Tier One nations

Ollie Sleightholme and Tom Willis have both been brought into the team to face France, after warmer conversations with Borthwick, who defended his decision to name both Smiths in the starting line-up for the first time. Ben Curry, however, was another victim of the ‘Borthwick Walk’ as he drops to the bench.

England coach Steve Borthwick has said he is excited to unleash the Fin Smith, Marcus Smith combination against France at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham on Saturday.

Former England star Ben Kay has suggested Steve Borthwick will be left fighting to save his job if he loses his next two games. The Red Rose are underdogs against France at Twickenham today and a subsequent defeat to Scotland could seal Borthwick's fate, according to ex-international Kay.

By Mitch Phillips BAGSHOT, England (Reuters) -Fin Smith will start at flyhalf for England at home to France on Saturday, with Marcus Smith switching to fullback, as coach Steve Borthwick seeks to reignite his attack and get a win to revive his team's Six Nations campaign.

Steve Borthwick has tasked Marcus Smith with changing the game from full-back after dropping Freddie Steward from his match-day squad to face France on Saturday.