England v France: The key to Le Crunch at Twickenham

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 17:28 EST, 25 February 2011

WHERE THE GAME WILL BE WON                                                               

Both teams will try to impose their own tempo. England have the confidence to play a fast-paced, open game while France want a physical, attritional battle centred around the breakdown. Marc Lievremont has clearly picked a side to beat England based on size and experience.

WHAT THE STATS SAY                                                                                  

England are the best attacking side in the Six Nations, with 282 carries and 1,260 metres made. Only Italy are worse tacklers than France, who have missed 11 per cent. Chris Ashton (214) and Ben Foden (209) are the only players to make over 200 metres and Ashton is one try from a tournament record.

BEN YOUNGS v DIMITRI YACHVILI                                                               

The two scrum-halves will try to set the pace for their team. Youngs is a firecracker who can create momentum, while Yachvili is picked over Morgan Parra because he is a master at tactical kicking and controlling a game.

TOBY FLOOD v THE BACK ROW                                                                   

The French back row, particularly flanker Imanol Harinordoquy, will be on a search-and-destroy mission to target England's fly-half. Flood can expect to be hit hard in the opening spell and it will take courage to stay flat on the gain line.

CHRIS ASHTON v THE SWEEPER                                                                 

France's defence coach has talked all week about stopping Chris Ashton but if France do use a sweeper to track his running lines it will inevitably leave space elsewhere, possibly in behind, which Flood can exploit with a chip.