It was billed as must‑win. After sobering defeats to Scotland and Ireland, England and head coach Steve Borthwick could ill afford another setback.
The 2027 Men's Six Nations will begin with a clash between Ireland and England in Dublin.
Live score, team news, text commentary and analysis as Scotland host France (kick-off 2.10pm) and England travel to Italy (kick-off 4.40pm) in the Six Nations.
Scotland blew the Six Nations title race wide open with a record 50-40 bonus‑point victory over France at a rejoicing Murrayfield.
Rome’s modern amphitheatre awaits a wounded England, their Six Nations campaign fraying and Italy sensing a rare chance to rewrite history, while at Murrayfield France can put both hands on a trophy Scotland still harbour hopes of claiming for the first time...
A largely off-colour France held off the threat of Italy to eventually kick on and seal a 33-8 bonus-point Six Nations win over Italy and remain unbeaten.
France cantered to a 54-12 victory over a poor Wales side as their quest to secure a Six Nations Grand Slam and retain their title continued in Cardiff on Sunday.