MATTHEWS WILL BE MERCI-LESS

ALEX MATTHEWS has urged England to show no mercy to the French today in Bristol or watch their World Cup hopes go up in smoke.

- BY ADAM HATHAWAY

The Red Roses have one more hurdle to jump to reach their seventh straight final but have a history of hitting the snooze button against France at home.

In the 2023 Six Nations they sprinted to a 33-0 lead at halftime at Twickenham before limping home 38-33.

This year at HQ England were 31-7 up before falling over the line 43-42.