Six Nations: 'You never expect to be in this situation' – rues Farrell after record home defeat

Steve Borthwick's side suffered their record home defeat as Les Bleus ran in seven tries during a comprehensive display at Twickenham.

England were simply no match for the reigning champions, who dominated proceedings and overpowered their opponents in all departments on the way to a first away win over the Red Rose in the competition since 2005.

Farrell, who was dropped to the bench before replacing Marcus Smith in the 46th minute, admitted the hosts' performance levels were unacceptable.

"As an England player, you never expect to be in this situation," the captain said.

"I don't think you ever expect to lose like that at home as an England team. You don't expect to lose like that anywhere as an England team.

"The result and the scoreline are hugely disappointing for us. It's never nice. Most of the people in the changing room have been through it at some stage. Not normally with England – definitely not normally with England.

"I'm gutted. Everybody in the changing room is disappointed to lose in the fashion that we did.

"I'm not sure it's a true reflection of our team, but credit to France for the way they played, they were clinical. They got away early on, and it was hard for us to get back into the game."

The highs and lows of sport summed up in one photo. #ENGvFRA | @Inphosports pic.twitter.com/njRZeUAICo

— Guinness Six Nations (@SixNationsRugby) March 12, 2023

England conclude a difficult Six Nations campaign against Grand Slam-chasing Ireland – coached by Farrell's father Andy – next weekend.

The skipper said he and his team-mates are desperate to put the disappointment behind them as they seek a positive response.

"The end goal is not any different for us because we've got to improve, and we knew that before this game," he added. "We definitely know it after. We have to improve together.