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.

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.

Steve Borthwick backs England to fulfil 'very high' potential after dramatic win over France - England have been on the wrong end of tight matches in recent months but reversed the trend against Franc

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.

England's Six Nations campaign got off to a losing start with defeat to Ireland in Dublin last weekend while Manchester United are still struggling to find their feet under latest manager Ruben Amorim

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.