England end France's Grand Slam dream

Updated 19.15 Sun Mar 11 2007

Keywords: Brian Ashton, Mike Tindall, Toby Flood, Six Nations, rugby union, sport, England, France

England scored two tries without reply as they beat France 26-18 in the Six Nations at Twickenham.

Toby Flood and Mike Tindall both went over in the second half, while Flood added 11 points with his boot, three penalties and a conversion.

"What a future for English rugby" - Mike Catt

England coach Brian Ashton picked a team that included a host of young players. Captain Phil Vickery and World Cup hero Jonny Wilkinson were ruled out through injury so Mike Catt was recalled at the age of 35 and named skipper.

Catt said: "The feeling I'm going through now, the whole emotion, is tremendous. The boys were fantastic, they turned over ball well and worked hard for each other and individually played to their strengths.

"I look at our performance and there's still a hell of a lot to learn but for a team who've had five days together it was awesome.

"There's still a long way to go. But we're going to develop and get better as a group of players. What a future for English rugby."

England's victory ends France's hope of winning the Grand Slam.

Both teams have won three of their first four matches. Ireland have also claimed three wins.

The Six Nations champions will be decided next Saturday when Ireland play Italy, France face Scotland and England meet Wales.

Only France have home advantage on the final day.