Kay Wilson stars as England Women beat France

Maggie Alphonsi

Kay Wilson scored two of England's six tries as Gary Street's side began their Autumn programme with a convincing 40-20 win over France at Twickenham.

Wilson's opener was followed by scores for Katy Mclean, Maggie Alphonsi and Claire Allan as England led 26-6.

Full-back Wilson scored again after the interval and, either side of tries from Marion Lievre, Ruth Laybourn scored England's sixth try.

Captaining the side, Mclean also added eight points with the boot.

Wilson finished a fine passing move after 15 minutes and, after Sandrine Agricole knocked over a penalty for the visitors, Mclean burst through a gap to touch down.

Alphonsi, making her first international appearance after 20 months out with a knee injury, barged through several defenders on the way to adding the third before Allan crossed to help England to a 20-point lead at half-time.

Flanker Alphonsi laid on Wilson's second try but Lievre pulled one back after an interception.

Laybourn pulled away from the French defence to score England's sixth try before Lievre scored another consolation for France.

England: Kay Wilson (Bristol); Claire Allan (Richmond), Amber Reed (Bristol), Rachael Burford (Thurrock), Ruth Laybourn (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks); Katy McLean (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks, capt), La Toya Mason (Wasps); Rochelle Clark (Worcester), Emma Croker (Richmond), Sophie Hemming (Bristol), Tamara Taylor (Darlington Mowden Park Sharks), Emily Braund (Lichfield), Marlie Packer (Wasps), Margaret Alphonsi (Saracens), Rebecca Essex (Richmond).

Replacements: Victoria Fleetwood (Lichfield), Claire Purdy (Wasps), Sasha Acheson (Bristol), Hannah Gallagher (Saracens), Harrier Millar-Mills (Lichfield), Natasha Hunt(Lichfield), Ceri Large (Worcester), Michaela Staniford (Wasps).