BRAWL OR NOTHING England ready for French stick

MARTIN JOHNSON has told England they face a backyard brawl against France on Sunday.

Coach Eddie Jones names his line-up for Paris today fresh from putting the Six Nations on red alert by saying he intends to turn England into the greatest rugby team the world has seen.

Johnson has a better idea than most of what that entails, having led his country’s only successful World Cup – and he respects the ambition shown by Jones on behalf of his players.

“Playing a French team in France should never be underestimated,” said the

Leicester great (inset) who only won once in four visits to Paris.

“The thing is with the Six Nations, it’s like a bit of a backyard brawl.

“Sometimes you’ve just got to win the game – particularly when you’re away from home.

“It might not be the prettiest thing you ever saw but take the win, fight for it, battle for it, get it, walk off, go home and get ready for the next game.

“Some days you’ve got to roll up your sleeves, subdue a team and strangle them to death, if that’s what needs doing – club them to death before they club you!” England, though, were dealt a major blow last night when Anthony Watson – who has scored eight tries in 17 Six Nations starts – was ruled out of with a calf injury.

Northampton full-back George Furbank is favourite to replace him, although Gloucester wing Ollie Thorley is also under consideration.

But from what he saw in Japan, Johnson likes the look of this England set-up.

“They put Australia away pretty well, then put New Zealand away in a manner no one thought anyone could,” he said.

“And they just missed out on beating the big three southern hemisphere teams on consecutive weekends.

“That pain will linger, of course, but in a way you’d want to thrive off that and use it as motivation.”

Johnson will be France as a pundit.

But his gaze will then turn towards Miami, where his beloved San Francisco 49ers are trying to beat Kansas to win their first Super Bowl for 25 years.

■ WATCH Super Bowl LIV between Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, on Sky Sports Action, BBC One or NFL Game Pass. Radio coverage on talkSPORT, kick-off

11.30pm. at Stade de