England’s Marseille misery leaves Healey and Grayson gutted

HALF-BACKS Austin Healey and Paul Grayson mirrored England’s Marseille frustration after a 17-16 defeat to France that saw the Six Nations champions surrender their 14-test unbeaten record and left several players sweating on World Cup places.

And there were no complaints from the red rose camp as they flew out of sweltering Marseille, ready for next Saturday's Twickenham rematch with France.

"My gut reaction is one of bitter disappointment," said Grayson, whose nerveless goal-kicking in front of a vociferous 60,000 crowd at the spectacular Stade Velodrome looks to have put him above World Cup fly-half rival Alex King.