PARIS - England head to an equally resurgent France on Saturday holding an outside chance of pipping Ireland to a Six Nations title not many would have predicted at the start of the campaign.
Steve Borthwick's side need a bonus point victory in Lyon, with Paris' Stade de France out of use due to it being prepared for this summer's Olympic Games, and must hope Ireland lose to Scotland by more than seven points earlier in the day in the final round of the competition.
Despite a surprising third-placed finish at last year's Rugby World Cup, Borthwick and his conservative outfit were criticised in many quarters but they are now 80 minutes from a first tournament success since 2020.
"It's out of our control. Our job is to play as well as we can on Saturday night and take another step forward," Borthwick told reporters on Thursday.
"We took another step forward last week.
"Winning is a habit. It is a habit we want to get into," the former England captain added.
Borthwick has made just one change from last Saturday's statement 23-22 victory over Ireland with Elliot Daly coming in on the wing for Immanuel Feyi-Waboso, who is missing due to concussion.
Marcus Smith is on the bench despite his match-winning drop goal alongside powerhouse centre Manu Tuilagi, in what could be his final England game.
Borthwick's France counterpart Fabien Galthie has kept the same matchday squad from last Sunday’s 45-24 win over Wales.
Thomas Ramos retains his place at fly-half outside of Nolann Le Garrec, who claimed the player of the match award in Cardiff.
Ramos was a crucial part of Les Bleus’ 53-10 record win over England last season, scoring 23 points from his usual position of full-back as the visitors stunned Twickenham.
"Thomas has a lot of leadership in the gameplan and within the squad," Galthie said.
"He's confident and he controls the game and does so in tough moments very well," he added.