England v France Betting Tips: Tuilagi the key again at Twickenham?

Six Nations betting preview with latest odds and tips

England got their Six Nations hopes off to the best possible start last week with victory over Ireland in Dublin. It’s France at Twickenham up next for Eddie Jones’ men.

The French will be eager to put things right after surrendering a 16-0 lead to Wales at Stade de France in their opening match. It won’t be easy for Louis Picamoles and co. here, with England still buoyant from a first victory across the Irish Sea since 2013.

You can catch all the action live on ITV from 2:15pm on Sunday, and we’ve previewed the crunch clash too.

Head-to-Head

France dominated this fixture in the late 1990s and early 2000s, notably coming out on top in the third/fourth place play-off at the 1995 World Cup. More recently it’s England who’ve edged proceedings.

The Red and Whites have won their last six matches against the French at Twickenham. They haven’t lost at home to Les Tricolores in the Six Nations since a 17-18 reverse in 2005.

Sunday’s visitors did claim victory the last time the sides met, though. Jonny May’s late try wasn’t enough as England fell to a 22-16 defeat in Paris which ultimately handed Ireland the 2018 Six Nations title.

Key Battles   

England’s brilliant win over Ireland last week was typified by a man-of-the-match performance from Manu Tuilagi. The Leicester centre was making his first start for the national team since 2014 and set the tone with a number of crunching tackles alongside Henry Slade.

His physical game ensured Ireland failed to make any real ground throughout the match. A performance of a similar ilk will be required on Sunday, while Joe Launchbury and Joe Cokanasiga are also expected to start after missing the Ireland game.