England's women kept their hopes of retaining their Six Nations crown alive with a one-sided victory over France.

England are now level with Wales and Ireland with a superior points difference, ahead of their final home fixture against Scotland next weekend.

Emily Scarratt grabbed a hat-trick for England with Maggie Alphonsi, Charlotte Barras, Amy Turner and Katherine Merchant (two) also crossing.

Katy McLean added four conversions with Scarratt sending over two.

"This was a fantastic performance built on will. We have been working extremely hard since losing to Wales in February," said England head coach Gary Street.

"France never gave up, but our determination and defence paid off. We were extremely organised, and the forwards did a tremendous job in giving the rest of the team a great platform to work from.

"We are still very much in the mix for the title, so next week is going to be a massive game against Scotland for us."

England: Charlotte Barras; Katherine Merchant, Emily Scarratt, Alice Richardson, Fiona Pocock; Katy McLean, Amy Turner; Rochelle Clark, Amy Garnett, Sophie Flemming, Rebecca Essex, Joanna McGilchrist, Karen Jones, Margaret Alphonsi, Catherine Spencer.
Replacements: Claire Purdy, Katy Storie, Sarah Hunter, Gemma Sharples, Georgina Rozario, Kimberley Oliver, Francesca Matthews.

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