Rugby World Cup: France 7-13 England - Red Roses claim statement win

Emily Scarratt scored England's lone try

England continued their palmy commencement to the World Cup with a choky triumph against a determined France.

Scarratt added a punishment either broadside of half-time earlier France caused a scare arsenic Gaelle Hermet crossed.

Tournament favourites England held connected for a connection 13-7 triumph that volition apt mean they suffice for the quarter-finals arsenic Pool C winners.

Captain Sarah Hunter became England's associated most-capped subordinate arsenic she made her 137th planetary appearance.

England, who thrashed Fiji 84-19 successful their opening crippled past week, extended their grounds winning tally to 27 Tests and person not mislaid since July 2019.

More to follow.

Line-ups

France: Jacquet; Grisez, Filopon, Vernier, Boulard; Drouin, Sansus; Deshaye, Sochat, Joyeux, Ferer (capt), Fall, Escudero, Mayans, R Menager.

Replacements: Touye, Lindelauf, Khalfaoui, N'Diaye, Hermet, Bourdon, Queyroi, M Menager.

England: Kildunne; Thompson, Scarratt, Rowland, MacDonald; Harrison, Infante; Cornborough, Cokayne, Bern, Aldcroft, Ward, Matthews, M Packer, Hunter (capt).

Replacements: Powell, Botterman, Muir, O'Donnell, Cleall, L Packer, Aitchison, Dow.

• The champion of 2 courts ignored by the world: Ora Washington fought to marque her sanction successful racially segregated America
• How is simply a pitchy motor made? Go down the scenes astatine the Rolls-Royce mill successful Derby to find out