The Gloucester centre was substituted after 26 minutes of last autumns defeat by Australia at Twickenham, and subsequently left out of the 22 who faced Wales in Cardiff last Saturday.

However, Robinson, who has put back his team announcement for Sundays clash until Wednesday, has brought back Paul and also called on Wasps lock Simon Shaw and props Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks) and Matt Stevens (Bath).

It had been expected that Robinson would name the side on Tuesday, but it has been delayed until mid-morning on Wednesday.

Changes are likely following the 11-9 defeat against Wales in Cardiff three days ago, with Bath centre Olly Barkley, Leicester scrum-half Harry Ellis and his Tigers colleagues - back-row men Lewis Moody and Martin Corry - all potential starters.

Barkley is likely to earn a starting place in midfield, possibly replacing Jamie Noon, while Ellis could take over from Matt Dawson.

Flanker Moody missed the Wales game because of a hamstring injury but now appears to be fully fit and looks set to replace Andy Hazell.

Number eight Corry, meanwhile, has been sidelined since suffering a dislocated elbow during Leicesters Zurich Premiership victory over Gloucester on January 2.

He fully tested his elbow at Englands Surrey training base yesterday though and seems on course for a recall.

Corry was one of Englands most consistent performers during the autumn Tests, and they sorely missed his presence at the Millennium Stadium.

England must beat France to get their RBS 6 Nations campaign on track, and they will be encouraged by the fact that they have not suffered a home defeat against Bernard Laportes team since 1997.