Four second-half penalties from Dimitri Yachvili saw France overcome an 11-point half-time deficit to take the spoils from Twickenham.

Marconnet said: Despite our defensive mistakes we proved we fought with our heart and with courage.''

Fighting back from an 11-point deficit was not easy but we held on, remained united and triumphed.

It was beautiful to win at Twickenham. It was my fifth or sixth match there but my first and only victory,'' the Stade Francais front rower added.

Even though we know England were not at their best, it was tremendously enjoyable to win on the soil of our sworn enemies.

Most players are back with their clubs this weekend but will join up at the start of next week ahead of the game with the Welsh, who are serious contenders for the RBS 6 Nations crown.

Laporte will announce his starting line-up in Marcoussis on Tuesday morning.