England Under-20s claimed the Six Nations crown tonight after beating France 24-11 at the Amex with a superb second-half display.

Tries by Joe Marchant and George Perkins helped England to victory over the defending champions in front of a record 12,615 crowd for an under-20s game at Brighton's World Cup venue.

England trailed 11-6 at half time after Rory Jennings' two penalties were cancelled out by two from Thomas Ramos and a Fabien Sanconnie try.

But two more penalties from Jennings inside the opening five minutes of the second half put England 12-11 ahead.

Worthing Raiders' loanee Marchant then gave them breathing space in the 70th minute when he caught a rebound from a charge down, avoided stepping into touch and dotted down.

Four minutes later Perkins was put through after a swift break and series of off-loads and Jennings added the extras.

James Chisholm, the former, Haywards Heath colt, was named man of the match.