England urged to stiffen the sinews as depleted ranks prepare to face France

The defence coach, Paul Gustard, has given the defending Six Nations champions a history lesson before they start the defence of their title against their old rivalsIn days gone by it was Brian Moore who set the bristling pre-match tone for England v France fixtures, muttering about the French XV comprising “15 Eric Cantonas” in terms of their ability to display both brilliance and brutality. Eddie Jones did not go that far after confirming his lineup to face Les Bleus but the scent of traditional cross‑Channel rivalry is again drifting through England’s team rooms.At one of the squad’s meetin…