England have strength in depth, but France have history on their side, a returning hero, and hosting duties for the potentially decisive finale

Your guide to the health of each side heading into this year's Six Nations - and what our BBC pundits predict will happen.

Coaches may need to call on more players and there might be fewer underdog stories as a new Six Nations schedule is launched.

In the professional era, there is a common denominator that suggests France and Ireland might be worth backing for 2026

England are bullish, France are in flux, while Wales will be hoping just to beat Italy and avoid the wooden spoon

England have strength in depth, but France have history on their side, a returning hero, and hosting duties for the potentially decisive finale

The French, buoyed by the return of Antoine Dupont, convincingly defeated the Irish at the Stade de France (36-14). They have launched their title defense with panache.