The 31-year-old missed les Bleus' defeats in Italy and at home to Wales due to a thigh injury but is raring to go ahead of the trip to London.

France will face a Red Rose side gunning for a first Grand Slam since 2003 after victories over Scotland and Ireland.

But Clerc, who himself has won two Grand Slams with France in 2004 and 2010, believes Philippe Saint-Andre’s side will be better for their week off.

“I think the week off did us good. Everyone is in good spirits. There is the desire to get out there,” he said.

“We are working hard and you can sense there is a big match around the corner. There is a lot of enthusiasm in the group, now we need to show it on the pitch.

“Personally my injury helped me freshen up a bit. Of course it’s difficult when you aren’t out there. There was a lot of frustration watching on the TV.

“You want to play those sorts of games, not watch. However I don’t think you need to question everything we’ve done. We need to keep working and I’m sure it will come good. It’s the way things go with national teams, there are ups and downs.”