Hodgson is tackled by Merceron.

By Andrew Baldock, PA Sport Rugby Union Correspondent

The metronome kicking of Jonny Wilkinson and the dazzling feet of Jason Robinson restored some much-needed pride in British sport on Saturday afternoon as England gained revenge over France at Twickenham.

England's rock of a fly-half scored 20 points, including one intuitive drop goal, to take his record in Tests past 600 points as Clive Woodward's men served warning that, after so many disappointments, this is the year they mean to deliver.

It was the feisty French in Paris who wrecked England boss Woodward's dreams of a Grand Slam last season and they are England's most likely opponents in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Australia later this year.

England, however, proved the Grand Slam in this RBS 6 Nations is the very least for which they would settle in a year when their ambitions stretch to ruling the world.

On this performance, their 19th successive victory at Twickenham, that is looking increasingly realistic even if the French did score three tries to one.

Wilkinson, as usual, was England's conductor at fly-half, creative in attack and supreme in defence as he picked up his umpteenth man-of-the-match award.

England's try-scorer Robinson was simply everywhere, his dazzling feet seemingly twinkling over each blade of grass, fielding high balls, taking throw-ins to himself - a constant flame which France failed to quell.

And if they were the pick of a convincing England performance then there were more heroes against a France side with plenty of spirit but not quite the Gallic invention we have come to expect.

Not least hooker Steve Thompson and prop Julian White, who matched the French front-row fire.

The ubiquitous Richard Hill at number eight was again outstanding and everywhere there was a control and a determination which promises much for the future.

It was a match which began with a touch of history and a recognition of tragedy.

No sooner had prop Jason Leonard been roared onto the pitch by a Twickenham faithful appreciative of his achievement in winning his 100th cap than players and fans stood for a minute's silence in memory of England and Harlequin scrum-half Nick Duncombe who died suddenly at the age of 21 on a trip to Lanzarote.

England took the lead in the 15th minute, Wilkinson cashing in on some French indiscipline to land a 45-metre penalty which looked to be struggling for legs before bouncing on the crossbar and limping over.

If England thought that was to be a lucky omen then they were rudely put straight two minutes later when Charlie Hodgson, playing centre but interchanging at stand-off with Wilkinson, had his clearing kick charged down by Olivier Magne.

The dashing flanker juggled the ball basketball-style before racing in for the touchdown, converted by Gerald Merceron, which was just reward for France's early enterprise.

Two more Wilkinson penalties once more gave England the advantage but the physical power of France's front row and the manoeuvrability of their back row, with Magne and Serge Betsen superb, was giving the home side searching problems.

None more so than Leonard, whose history-making international lasted just 33 minutes before he was replaced by Leicester's Graham Rowntree, the Harlequins prop having suffered a knee injury.

England's thrusts, however, were becoming more sustained and their first touchdown should have come when Hodgson wriggled his way through the French defence but failed to see Will Greenwood steaming through on his outside.

A simple pass would have resulted in the easiest of tries but it never came and England had to thank Wilkinson for his fourth precision penalty for their 12-7 interval lead.

Within five minutes of the restart Lawrence Dallaglio was introduced to the action as a replacement for the injured Lewis Moody and at last England began to exert some telling pressure.

It culminated in a siege of the French line with the ball being flashed around, Greenwood supplying Robinson with the perfect long pass for the full-back to run in under the posts.

At 19-7 things were looking much more comfortable for England.

By the 58th minute they were looking even better as Wilkinson kicked his fifth penalty, taking his international points record past the 600 mark at the age of 23 - a mark he swiftly celebrated with an intelligent drop goal.

Full-back Clement Poitrenaud, the pick of the French challenge, managed a touchdown in the corner in the 68th minute and centre Damien Traille went over for another consolation deep into injury-time.

In truth it flattered the French, who put up spirited resistance but never looked like shaking England's resolve.

For Woodward the Grand Slam now beckons. But it is the possible encounter between these teams Down Under in the autumn which will determine the England coach's legacy.

All the the signs at least are shining bright.

Teams:

England: Robinson, Luger, Greenwood, Hodgson, Cohen, Wilkinson, Gomarsall, Leonard, Thompson, White, Johnson, Kay, Moody, Back, Hill, Rowntree.

Replacements: Rowntree for Leonard (35), Grewcock for Kay (80), Dallaglio for Moody (45), Regan for Rowntree (47).

Not Used: Walshe, Christophers, Simpson-Daniel.

Tries: Robinson.

Cons: Wilkinson.

Pens: Wilkinson 5.

Drop Goals: Wilkinson

France: Poitrenaud, Rougerie, Garbajosa, Traille, Clerc, Merceron, Galthie, Crenca, Ibanez, Califano, Pelous, Brouzet, Betsen, Magne, Harinordoqui.

Replacements: Castaignede for Rougerie (63), Rue for Ibanez (74), Marconnet for Califano (62), Chabal for Magne (64).

Not Used: Auradou, Yachvili, Gelez.

Att: 73,500

Ref: Paul Honiss (New Zealand).

Tries: Magne, Poitrenaud, Traille.

Cons: Merceron.