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.
England's worst nightmares became reality as Italy recorded a historic 23-18 Six Nations victory at the Stadio Olimpico, beating them for the first time.
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.
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.
Fin Smith will start for England in the Six Nations against Italy on Saturday amid a major selection overhaul.
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