The former rugby league international was a 39th minute substitute for centre Mike Tindall against France but failed to make an impact in the surprise 20-15 defeat.

And, reflecting on Saturday's loss, he said he needed to improve his game to ensure an international future.

"I just hold my hands up and know that I have got to do the basics better," he said.

Paul struggled to break a resolute French defence during the match after being fast-tracked into the international set-up just five months after turning to the union code.

But the ex-New Zealand league international was clear what he had to do.

"I just told myself to go out, be enthusiastic and try not to let the side down," he said.

"I'm punching myself because I turned over one ball when we were in a good position, and that was costly."

Saturday's defeat wrecked England's Grand Slam hopes for yet another season and put their chances of defending their Six Nations crown in serious jeopardy.

But Paul reckoned any talk of a crisis was premature.

"The Grand Slam has gone, but we have got to concentrate on being positive as a team and cut out the mistakes," he said.

"We beat Australia and South Africa earlier this season, and that shows we are up there with the best."

Despite a harrowing debut, Paul insisted he aimed to bounce back on to the international stage.

"We were in a cauldron out there, and I relished it," he added.

"Hopefully, as a squad, we will get better and I will get another chance to prove I'm worth my spot in the team."