So close but heartbreak for England

GUTTED skipper England Jamie George suffered a case of déjà vu as his side were downed 33-31 by a late penalty in France - again.

- ADAM HATHAWAY

George had flashbacks of the last time England were involved in a match across the Channel when their World Cup hopes went up in smoke in the semi-final against South Africa thanks to Handre Pollard's late winner.

But George was justifiably proud of his side who went toe-to-toe with the French before being denied at the death.

England were already out of the title hunt after Ireland's 17-13 win over Scotland in Dublin and their dreams of a fourth win in the Six Nations were dashed by Thomas Ramos's late penalty.

Steve Borthwick's men finished up with three wins, their best return since their title-winning season in 2020, but it could have been so much better.

George said: "Devastated. It was reminiscent of the loss against South Africa last time we were in France. France showed their class but we fought our way back, this a team that's on an upward curve."

England and France were fighting over second place in Lyon while Ireland lifted the trophy earlier in the afternoon.