France v England LIVE: Result and reaction as Les Bleus edge thrilling Six Nations finale in Lyon
France 33-31 England: Thomas Ramos’s late penalty gave Les Bleus the win in a topsy-turvy thriller
England finished third in the Six Nations after a monster Thomas Ramos penalty in the final minute sent them spinning to a heartbreaking 33-31 defeat to France at Groupama Stadium.
Steve Borthwick’s men have trailed at half-time of every match of the championship and once more they faced an uphill battle, this time in the form of 16-6 deficit that included a try of the tournament contender for scrum half Nolann Le Garrec.
But they turned the contest on its head by amassing 21 unanswered points through two Ollie Lawrence tries and a Marcus Smith touch down as their attack ran amok through the France midfield. France regrouped to cross through Leo Barre and Gael Fickou but England were not done yet as Tommy Freeman stormed over in the right corner with five minutes remaining.
They appeared to have secured their fourth win of the Six Nations having staged multiple fightbacks but when they infringed just outside their half with seconds left, Ramos kept his nerve to hit the target.
Relive all the action below:
PENALTY! France 0-3 England (George Ford, 12 mins)
George Ford kicked poorly against Ireland but, from 42 metres, he curls the kick between the posts. He’s 31 today - beating France would be some birthday present.
France 0-0 England, 11 mins
This mammoth French pack will want to make a statement at scrum-time. After one reset, it’s England who win the penalty as Atonio pinged for going down. Great work by Genge.
Ford signals for the kicking tee and will have a go at the posts.
France 0-0 England, 9 mins
Nice footwork by Slade, almost gets past Baille but the prop tackles well. Daly then carries hard into Cros! England scrum
France 0-0 England, 8 mins
Here’s what our man on the ground in Lyon, Harry Latham-Coyle has made of this opening
The French crowd are properly into this. George Ford's claiming of a mark there was met with proper boos, and the home fans aren't particularly happy about the number of England players going down for treatment so far, which is breaking up their side's flow. Losing George Furbank so early is far from ideal for England, though - Marcus Smith reprises his World Cup role and is on at full-back.
France 0-0 England, 8 mins
Ford’s tackle dislodges the ball from Penaud and Daly thumps a massive kick deep in French territory. Returned in kind by Ramos.
George Furbank looks in distress with what is apparently a calf issue. He looks distraught and will need to be subbed here. Marcus Smith stripping off to come on as full back. Freddie Steward not in the matchday 23 remember
France 0-0 England, 7 mins
Big hit by Penaud on Lawrence to force the England centre into touch! Le Crunch indeed...
Genge penalised for going into the side of a maul from the lineout and Ramos finds touch just outside the 22 for another attacking French platform. Their maul has been good so far.
France 0-0 England, 5 mins
France splintered the Welsh scrum last week but solid start by England, good propping by Genge but France retain possession. Ramos knocks on but England kick to touch for territory.
Decent maul from Les Bleus and Le Garrec exits with the box-kick deep to Freeman, who runs back infield
France 0-0 England, 3 mins
Alex Mitchell receiving treatment on his wrist and England will hope that isn’t serious after a brilliant display against Ireland.
England win the lineout with Itoje but France pinch the ball at the ruck, good work by Meafou. Itoje makes amends to force the ball loose from Le Garrec, it’s booted clear and France have a scrum on halfway. Breathless start!
France 0-0 England, 2 mins
Lyon is absolutely rocking! Some early French flair as a through-the-legs pass from Fickou and quick hands allow Depoortere to make good ground on the left flank. Exploiting space in England’s blitz defence.
Cannonball carry from the massive Atonio up the middle. But Ramos’s kick through straight into touch for a first mistake.
KICK-OFF! France 0-0 England
Underway in the final game of the 2024 Six Nations. Let’s get it!
Only after a false start though. Referee Angus Gardner said 10 seconds to go but Thomas Ramos thought he could kick-off. Second time lucky and Ramos kicks deep
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