Victorious Eddie Jones vows to improve ‘awful’ England after they edge to France win

England coach Eddie Jones promised to do a better job after his “awful” Grand Slam champions launched the defence of their Six Nations title with a scrappy 19-16 win over France at Twickenham.

France had much the better of the play but England, yet to lose under Australian boss Jones, were able to grind out an ‘ugly’ win as they secured a national record 15th consecutive Test victory.

The visitors were 16-12 up on the hour when replacement prop Rabah Slimani went over for a try France had long threatened.

But in the end it was England’s bench strength that proved decisive, with replacement back Ben Te’o’s try nine minutes from time giving England a lead extended by Owen Farrell’s conversion.

“It is always good to win when you do not play well, and we did not play well,” Jones said. “I take full responsibility for the performance.”

The former Australia and Japan coach added: “I thought we were awful, but I thought we were always going to win the game and that is what I like about these boys. They have got a never-say-die attitude.”