Stuart Lancaster has warned England's Six Nations title rivals that his side are "chomping at the bit to get going" ahead of their crunch showdown against France this weekend.

There is a four-way tie for the famous trophy heading into the final round of fixtures with Ireland, Wales and weekend opponents France also in contention to come out on top.

The Red Rose have finished as runners-up three years in succession under the tenure of Lancaster, although the 45-year-old, who named Geoff Parling in his starting lineup for the Twickenham showdown, is confident that his side can prevail this time around.

"We are hugely excited about it," he told reporters. "The players are chomping at the bit to get going. [Parling] has played many big games, his organisation, his presence and speed around the field is excellent. It was a tight call - but the right call.

"The bench will all make an impact and will be critical to our hopes. In the three games Nick [Easter] has played he has done that. He will make a stronger impact from the bench."

England beat Scotland 25-13 in their last outing to ensure that the title race will go right down to the wire.