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England ready for a 'brilliant battle'

The Journal

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September 20, 2025

RUGBY UNION

- By DUNCAN BECH

England ready for a 'brilliant battle'

ALEX Matthews insists England are determined to show their killer instinct against France in today’s World Cup semifinal at Ashton Gate (3.30pm).

The Red Roses are “ready for a fight” according to their forwards coach Louis Deacon - and their two most recent Allianz Stadium collisions with their Six Nations rivals show why that means playing until the final whistle.

On both occasions England built commanding leads only to crumble when France staged electric comebacks, triumphing 38-33 in 2023 and 43-42 in 2025 but each time saved by the final whistle.

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