Martin Johnson admitted England had demonstrated their potential despite slipping to a 12-10 defeat to France in Paris.
England chief encouraged by Paris performance
Martin Johnson admitted England had finally demonstrated their potential despite slipping to a 12-10 defeat in Paris as France sealed a Six Nations Grand Slam.
While the French were celebrating at the final whistle, Johnson's side left the field with their heads held high after pushing their opponents all the way and scoring the only try of the contest through Ben Foden.
Despite being hampered by heavy rain, the visitors played most of the attacking, running rugby on show and could feel unfortunate not to have emerged victorious.
Indeed, they played the brand of rugby that their critics had for so long been calling for and Johnson was more than satisfied with their efforts, believing his changes had paid dividends.
"Of course we are frustrated, we lost," stated Johnson. "But I said to the guys as France picked up the trophy 'you have played the Grand Slam champions and you took them all the way'.
"A lot of players came of age today. It was Danny Care's best performance for England, Toby Flood as well in the way he managed the game and managed the week after coming in for Jonny Wilkinson.
"It was great to have Mike Tindall back. Ben Foden's counter-attacking, his play under the high ball was great.
"Mark Cueto was outstanding again and Ashton handled it very well.
"They won the kicking game in the first half and their set piece got us under pressure. We did well still to be in the game at half-time with the penalty count against us.
"In the second half we were tactically better and the majority of the game was played in their half."
But England could not break down the French resistance and Johnson was left to reflect on what might have been.
"We have lost two games by a combined total of six points. We missed a penalty by one metre in the drawn Scotland game. It was a case of could have been. But there are probably four teams saying that."
Moody frustrated
Captain Lewis Moody insisted England could take a host of positives from their display.
Moody, who skippered the side in the absence of the injured Steve Borthwick, was delighted with the efforts of his troops if not the result.
"It was certainly improved but it's so frustrating," he declared.
"It was a good performance and we should just have finished it off.
"Fair play to France though, they've been the most consistent team in the Six Nations and they're probably deserved winners of this championship, but I'm proud of the boys today.
"They went out there and played their socks off, they worked hard.
"I think the penalty count probably cost us. We couldn't ask more of ourselves and it's just bitterly frustrating.
"It was a full squad effort but we just missed it."
Joy for Lievremont
France coach Marc Lievremont, who was charged with the process of rebuilding the side when he took over after the 2007 World Cup, acknowledged it had not been an easy process.
However, with a first victory over England in three attempts sealing the Grand Slam, he could not hide his satisfaction, paying special tribute to his forwards.
"It is a very nice baby even if the birth was quite difficult," he joked.
"For the first time we have reached the end of a series or a tournament and I can be satisfied. We have a Grand Slam to celebrate.
"I am very proud of this team for the bravery they showed in the 80 minutes.
"It is five victories and a Grand Slam but we have to pay tribute to the England team. It was very difficult and they played their best against us.
"We owe a lot to our forwards tonight and I am happy for the forwards that Nicolas Mas was named man of the match. No scrum, no win."
