France have endured a nightmare Championship to date, losing in Italy on the opening weekend before suffering a 16-6 defeat on home soil at the hands of an out of sorts Wales side, who had lost eight successive matches before travelling to Paris.

England’s fortunes could hardly have been more different with an emphatic victory over Scotland followed up by a battling – but equally impressive - 12-6 victory in Ireland.

And while Michalak, whose inclusion at 10 when he has spent most of the season with Toulon at scrum-half has not had the desired effect, is fully aware of the challenge ahead this weekend, he is adamant a French victory is not out of the question.

"We must be in the right place mentally,” said Michalak.

"When the Welsh played us last weekend they had lost eight games in a row but they came to Paris with a great mindset. We have to have the same attitude at Twickenham."