Billy Vunipola is hoping that England force the French crowd to boo them during the Six Nations opener at the weekend.

England travel to face France on Saturday, with both teams being tipped as among the favourites to win the tournament. The French crowd is known for being fickle, but Vunipola believes that any abuse coming England's way from the Stade de France spectators will be a good thing.

"It's a compliment if you can go to France and make them boo you because then you know their team isn't doing well. You are doing well and they don't like you," Vunipola told the media.

"It's not about being liked, it's about winning the game and that's the biggest thing we want from Paris. When you can shut them up it's always fun.

"England are not liked wherever we go and that's a good thing. Fans can say all they want but if they can't do anything about it, it's fun."

England's 23-man matchday squad will be named on Thursday morning, with three players travelling as cover.