England travel to the French capital for Sunday's encounter well aware they have not won at the Stade de France since 2000.

If they can end that losing sequence, though, the RBS 6 Nations title would prove an attainable prize on the tournament's final weekend.

But before then, England have somehow got to work a Calcutta Cup calamity out of their system and set about toppling the pre-tournament favourites in their own back yard.

England wasted several promising attacking opportunities against Scotland - which proved a major factor in their 18-12 defeat at Murrayfield - and Corry accepts they cannot be as wasteful in Paris.

''It is going to be a very tough game,'' said the captain.

''We didn't take opportunities to score against Scotland, and those opportunities are probably going to be even less against France - so we have got to make sure we are a lot more clinical and we execute our moves a lot better.

''When we do get half a chance we must take it.

''We cannot change what happened at Murrayfield. We know what it is going to take to win on Sunday, but I feel totally prepared - I just cannot wait for this game.''

If England lose against the French, they will host Ireland on Saturday week needing victory to avoid another RBS 6 Nations campaign of under-achievement.

But France will go into the game as favourites, and Corry accepts they will pose threats in all areas.

''They are willing to open up from inside their own 22 - and from any turnover ball they are electric,'' he said.

''There are challenges all over, and if you take your eye off one of them and focus on another they can take you apart in so many different areas. We cannot relax.''

Corry will go into his ninth Test in charge, with the selection debate surrounding him and number eight Lawrence Dallaglio still raging.

Dallaglio, who is again on replacement duty, came on as substitute for Corry against Wales and Scotland during this season's RBS 6 Nations - and it would be no major surprise if there was a repeat on Sunday.

England head coach Andy Robinson continues to pin his faith in Corry as leader, though there are some pundits and commentators who believe Dallaglio should be starting, possibly instead of the current captain.

''Andy has said I am the captain for the Six Nations - and he is a man of his word,'' added Corry.

''We speak all the time, and he rang me on Monday to reinforce his position and my position.

''There is nothing wrong with healthy and lively debate, and that is what this is. I have said countless times that I am extremely happy with what is happening within the England camp - I have got a huge amount of confidence in what is going on.

''I am just amazed it has gone on for as long as it has. It is intense competition. But we are in a very competitive environment, and I enjoy that.

''Competition is what keeps people on their toes and keeps people working hard, and that is exactly what we should have in the England set-up.''