Jones’s claims of England’s progress ring hollow as France highlight gulf in class | Andy Bull

The gap between the teams was 12 points but it was far wider in reality with the grand slam winners in complete command

You could measure the gap between England and France by the 12 points difference on the scoreboard. Or you could measure it by the inches between Ben Youngs’ outstretched hand and Antoine Dupont’s shorts as Youngs launched himself headfirst into a futile dive after the best player in the world and tried to drag him back as he cut England apart. You could measure it in the feet England were shoved backwards at the scrum just before half-time where they conceded yet another set-piece penalty, or you could measure it by the acres of space France found out on the right wing when they created the three-on-one overlap that led to their first try.

The answer’s the same either way: a lot, and more than England’s coach, Eddie Jones, is letting on.