Yachvili put the boot into England for the third year running

The home side were 13-0 ahead after 12 minutes and prevented England from scoring until just before half-time.

"Every time you play against England it is a physical game," said the Biarritz star, who kicked 16 points in a man-of-the-match display.

"It was important for us to start quickly because England are so strong for 80 minutes."

France now go into the final game against Wales knowing that victory in Cardiff effectively seals the championship.

And France coach Bernard Laporte says the win over England will give his side plenty of confidence.

For both teams this was a must-win match and the fact we scored early was very important France coach Bernard Laporte

"Our objective now is to go to Wales and win the title," said Laporte.

"This was an important match because the result was a determining factor in who wins the tournament. We haven't won the title yet, but we are on the right track."

France are yet to hit top form in this year's Six Nations and recorded stuttering wins over Ireland and Italy after the shock opening defeat to Scotland.

But Laporte believes there are now signs that France are playing with consistency he requires.

"You don't always succeed playing for 80 minutes how you do in training," he added. "Against Ireland we did it for 50 minutes, against Italy for 25 minutes.

"Against England we were much more consistent for the full 80 minutes. We had a high level of intensity, particularly around the tackling zone.

"The players handled the pressure very well and with a lot of determination. That is what made the difference.

"The England team came into the match with a certain number of doubts after what happened against Scotland.

"For both teams this was a must-win match and the fact we scored early was very important. After the first try we put the pressure on for the first 15 minutes of the match."