England have added belief after dramatic France win, says Sleightholme

England winger Ollie Sleightholme says the dramatic Six Nations win over France has given Steve Borthwick's squad the belief they can mix it with the best teams in the world.

The Red Roses rebounded from a round-one defeat against Ireland in Dublin to defeat Les Bleus 26-25 with Fin Smith converting Elliot Daly's last-gasp try at Twickenham.

It ended a run of three straight defeats for England against France, and Sleightholme said victory after a back-and-forth finale has had a galvanising effect.

"I think we have to have every confidence in ourselves after that win at the weekend," said Sleightholme in quotes reported by Sky Sports.

"It has proven to us that we can do it, in a weird way. We have come so close and hit the crossbar so many times.

"That has now given us the belief and we know that when we put our game on the pitch, and we do our best to nullify their threats, that we can get results against the top teams in the world."

Sleightholme had an altercation with France wing Damian Penaud during the early exchanges but avoided any punishment.

The 24-year-old admits he rather enjoys a bit of needle with his opposite number.

He added: "There wasn't really a thought process.

"It was an in-the-moment thing. Looking back on it, it looked a bit worse than it was. I thought I fell into him, but it looks like I've shoulder-charged him - which I didn't. There wasn't much in it.

"There's a side of me that does [relish the contest], but I know I have to keep my cool and be calm while playing. I don't think there's much wrong with a little bit of argy-bargy with your opposite number."

England are third in the Six Nations table, level on points with France and four back of leaders Ireland.

Borthwick's side are back in action with a Calcutta Cup clash against Scotland at Twickenham on February 22.