sports📡 ESPNcricinfoJul 25, 2026👁 0 views

England women cruise past France

England women cruise past France

Ben Collins - BBC Sport journalistSat, July 25, 2026 at 7:38 PM UTC·1 min read

England women claimed a 38-4 win over France in their mid-season international in Toulouse.

The hosts took an early lead through two converted penalties, but England replied with seven tries to maintain their unbeaten record against France.

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Playing their first game of 2026, England built a 28-4 lead by half-time, with Ellise Derbyshire scoring a debut try out wide before Lucy Murray touched down twice.

Ella Donnelly crossed for her first England try, while Eva Hunter, the current Woman of Steel, burst past numerous France defenders to score.

Stuart Barrow's side remained comfortable in the second half, with Jenna Foubister jinking over before Derbyshire added her second. Izzy Rowe made five of her seven kicks.

The women's and men's World Cups will run simultaneously in Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in October and November.