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.

England face another tough test in the Six Nations as they host France at Twickenham this evening. Steve Borthwick’s side were beaten by Ireland in Dublin last weekend after falling away in the second-half,

England shocked France to end a seven-match losing run against Tier 1 nations with a gritty one-point victory, led by fly-half Fin Smith on his first international start. This was a vanquishing of so many of the recent demons which have kept Steve Borthwick up at night.