England player ratings vs France as Steve Borthwick warmed up for the Nations Championship with a disappointing defeat.
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Scroll down for England plays ratings vs France.
France XV: 35
Tries: Nicolas Depoortere (9′), Grégoire Arfeuil (21′), Nolann Le Garrec (47′), Antoine Hastoy (51′), Brau-Boirie (78)
Conversions: Antoine Hastoy (5/5)
Penalties: None
England XV: 19
Tries: Cadan Murley (1′), Marcus Smith (40+1′), Max Ojomoh (80)
Conversions: George Ford (2/3)
Penalties:
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England player ratings vs France:
15. Marcus Smith – 5
Being the most practical option at full-back for Steve Borthwick, Smith came into the contest in Vannes hoping to rediscover form after a season to forget.
After two costly kicks out on the full, one of which led directly to a French try, it was an afternoon to forget for Smith. He looked threatening in attack at times, but it was not the audition he would have wanted. Simple mistakes overshadowed his performance despite crossing for a try before half-time.
14. Noah Caluori – 5
The Saracens youngster spoke only weeks ago about his ambitions of playing senior international rugby this summer. This uncapped fixture gave the 19-year-old an opportunity to strengthen his case.
However, this display may leave supporters questioning whether he is ready for the step up. He played a key role in Smith’s try before the break, showing excellent footwork, and looked dangerous whenever he found space. He will take plenty from the experience, but hopes of featuring in the inaugural Nations Championship may have taken a slight knock.
45 – Noah Caluori has the best minutes per try rate in a @premrugby season since Opta have recorded this data (2008/09, 240+ minutes).
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) June 18, 2026
45 – Noah Caluori, 25/26
49 – Sam Simmonds, 18/19
57 – Tommy Freeman, 25/26
58 – Dan Frost, 25/26
59 – Max Malins, 25/26
Prolific. https://t.co/yE35PpfOqa
13. Max Ojomoh – 6
With his performance against Argentina in the autumn still fresh in the memory, and after initially being left out of the squad, the Bath centre appeared to be playing with a point to prove.
He consistently looked to attack the outside shoulder of defenders and produced a number of well-timed offloads. Statement made?
12. Seb Atkinson – 6
The Gloucester centre featured in the corresponding fixture at Twickenham last year.
His best work came in defence, where he regularly pressured the French midfield and disrupted their attempts to get over the gainline. That intensity forced several handling errors from the hosts.
11. Cadan Murley – 7
One of the more dependable players in this England XV, Murley may not generate quite as much excitement as Caluori, but he made an immediate impact by scoring inside the opening minute.
He was England’s most threatening back and regularly caused problems for the French defence whenever he got the ball in hand.
10. George Ford (Captain) – 5
Ford is likely to play second fiddle to Fin Smith during the Nations Championship, but this was a game where England needed his experience and influence.
One positive was a superb 50:22 late in the third quarter, but overall he needed to offer more. He was forced into touch following a testing kick in behind from Nolann Le Garrec, which piled pressure on England. Ford was rarely afforded time on the ball, which perhaps contributed to a number of uncharacteristic handling errors.
George Ford has had a rough 2026
— Daniel Castle (Man Utd statto) (@RonnLennon) June 19, 2026
9. Harry Randall – 6
Despite a mixed end to the Premiership season, Randall needed a strong performance given he remains behind Jack van Poortvliet in the pecking order.
He kicked one ball out on the full but was excellent at maintaining the tempo of England’s attack and gained valuable territory with his kicking game. He was quietly influential throughout, although there was an equal measure of good and bad in his performance.
1. Asher Opoku-Fordjour – 6
With Ellis Genge and Bevan Rodd not available for the match, this provided valuable gametime for the Sale Sharks player, who could play a vital role this summer. He found it challenging at scrum time, but proved to be challenging to stop when in attack.
2. Theo Dan – 7.5
With the well-established Jamie George not involved in the match, surprisingly, Dan was given the opportunity. After five minutes, he brilliantly stopped the hosts from scoring their opening try; his arrows were firing, and he was one of England’s top defenders, completing 11 tackles in the first half alone.
