England ratings: Fin Smith shines from fly-half but Marcus Smith’s poor kicking almost cost England huge win vs France

SUPERB England put the past behind them to BEAT one of the best French side's in living memory in a thrilling 26-25 Six Nations crunch clash.

Many were saying their prayers for England before kick-off but Steve Borthwick's much changed outfit bravely won it at the death at Twickenham.

France's last Six Nations visit saw the Red Roses concede 50+ points - but England's encouraging defensive start forced the visitors out of their usual rhythm.

Borthwick's men rode their luck early on as France were not their usual selves with countless unnecessary knock-ons - superstar Antonie Dupont included.

In his first England start, Fin Smith landed three late efforts which saw his team-mates end a horror run of seven straight defeats against tier-one nations. 

England - spurred on by a brilliant bench - mounted an incredible response to each French point with a fluidity in attack that fans could have only dreamt of.

Here SunSport's Katherine Walsh rates each England player from a deafening Twickenham Stadium.

CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

Marcus Smith - 4

A mixed bag. Cut a composed figure in the first half while carrying out his new designated full-back task. Was hauled off kicking duties.

But several mistakes almost cost his side the win, including a blocked grubber, a stopped carry, a bad knock-on in front of the try line and TWO missed kicks - one of which was a rather simple conversion.

Tommy Freeman - 7

Few chances to really explode down the wing and among those outfoxed by Bielle-Biarrey for France's first try.

Scored England's second try but I'm not sure the Northampton man is a game-breaker.

Ollie Lawrence - 7

Great turnover to get inside the French 22 early on but England failed to do anything with it - and the visitors got their first try moments later.

His hand-off on Thomas Ramos was the exclamation point on his try. Also came up with a great jackal penalty in the second-half.

Henry Slade - 6

Was always in the right place at the right time with his tackles and interceptions.

Brilliant drive and carry ahead of England's equalising try and made a stream of big hits as he defended with relish.

Ollie Sleightholme - 5

Silly territory kicks played to the French advantage early on. But linked up well with Fin Smith often.

A menacing figure in the England backline, but failed to clean up a bouncing ball just before Bielle-Biarrey's try. Later stopped the Frenchman to save Marcus Smith's bacon.

Fin Smith - 9

A star is born. First start in seven caps saw Borthwick take advantage of a successful Saints club partnership as Smith overcame a shaky start.

Delightful pass through to club mate Freeman, who did the rest with a tidy takedown in the 58th minute.

The fly-half grabbed control of the second half, took over the kicking duties from Marcus Smith and dragged England over the line with his winning conversion.

Alex Mitchell - 7

England made him their attacking focal point in the first half, where he was unlucky not to have scored a try.

His box kicking was hit and miss but he initiated most of their brighter moments, including a quick ball out to Lawrence for Elliot Daly's game-winning try- and held his own against opposite number, Dupont.

Ellis Genge - 6

Conceded too many penalties early on, again. Luckily for him, Ramos surprisingly missed a nailed on one.

The loose-head prop made some great take-downs later on and found fault with his opposite number's technique in the scrum.

Luke Cowan-Dickie - 5

His wayward line-out throw was gobbled up by France for their try when Martin couldn't grab hold of it.

His effort was there for sure, but a few handling errors led to silly penalties given to France which they took with gratitude.

Will Stuart - 6

Another whose best work goes unrecognised by most but he showed the same application as his team-mates.

Maro Itoje - 6

After a quiet first half, he won a big turnover penalty only not to take the points, which seemed questionable at the time, and grew in influence.

George Martin - 5

Missed ball on a line out early on and for France's first try. Replaced by Chessum on the hour mark.

Tom Curry - 8

Sensational. Kept turning the ball over to help England complete several defensive escape acts.

Was denied a try after being scythed down by a stunning Jegou tackle, but was instrumental to Borthwick's big win.

Ben Earl - 6

The Saracens star was more effective from No 7 this week and busted his guts from the first to last minute to show his mentality.

Crucial in winning the scrum penalty that eventually led to England's winning try. 

Tom Willis - 7

Another contender for Player of the Match and on another day he could've easily taken the award home.

Broke French attacks up with ease and looked a natural on his first start for the Red Rose. 

Replacements:

Fin Baxter ('50 for Genge) - 6

His close range try lifted the England fans for the closing, before Bielle-Biarrey grabbed his brace to stun the stadium into silence.

Ben Curry ('53 for Willis) - 6

Came on just as the tide really started to turn against France.

Jamie George ('61 for Cowan-Dickie)- 7

The veteran hooker's introduction with 20 minutes to go had an instant effect as he carved through the French back line to tease a third England try.

Ollie Chessum ('61 for Martin) - 6

Back after injury and gave England extra line-out capacity in the final stages.

Joe Heyes (58' for Stuart) - 6

Elliot Daly ('75 for Slade) - 7

A lightning injection of pace to broke through the French defence for his match-winning try, which even Dupont couldn't prevent.

Unused replacements: 

Chandler Cunningham-South, Harry Randall.