How England's ponderous attack was summed up by one move in Paris

They need better first-phase ball

When space becomes an issue, and the breakdown is suffering, it becomes even more important that England strike effectively from first phase ball.

For their backs, this is the time to show what they can really do They can attack at pace, take contact on their terms, and then

hit up the second phase through a well-constructed and planned move. It’s important to remember that many of the international sides today are planning moves and plays that go to four and more phases. They are building mini-chess games with structured positions and players all executing pre-planned moves. England are also finding this hard going at the moment. Against France they had a wide left-hand scrum that was in a perfect position and went to plan. They used their decoys to get Elliot Daly in from the left wing and moving round the corner at real pace. It was a good move that was brought to a temporary halt by brilliant defence from Mathieu Bastareaud. England recycled the ball, but rather than go to their next phase they looked to be running in different directions and the move petered out (see graphic above).

In added time at the end of the first half England have a solid scrum on the French 22 and George Ford has plenty of options as he gets good ball.

The fly-half passes to Elliot Daly, who has come in from the left wing, but he is scragged by Mathieu Bastereaud and Owen Farrell has to clear out.