England ran in seven second-half tries for a comprehensive 56-8 victory over France in Toulouse despite a spirited opening forty from the French.

France had looked impressive in the opening exchanges, leading 6-0 after just six minutes thanks to James Wynne, but the visitors hit back.

Three tries before the break gave England a 16-8 lead and an impressive second-half showing ensured the final score had something of a lopsided look.

Warrington Wolves centre Martin Gleeson grabbed a hat-trick for the visitors while Leeds Rhinos loose forward Kevin Sinfield landed five goals.

It was a different story at the start of the game, Ade Gardner going close to opening the scoring but finding himself in touch; instead Wynne sliced through the line, Thomas Bosc converting, to give France a 6-0 lead.

England struggled to get back into contention, Peter Fox also going close, this time on the opposite side of the field, before staunch defence kept Sam Burgess at bay.

But eventually England restored parity, James Roby finding space to send Leon Pryce over the line with a smart pass, Sinfield adding the extras.

And the away side went into the lead for the first time when Gleeson used his agility to get over at the corner to leave the score at 10-6.

Bosc added a penalty to reduce the deficit by two points and, after Burgess went close for a second time, England had to work hard to prevent a second France try.

Eventually England added a third try, Sinfield setting up Maurie Fa’asavalu with a superb reverse pass before tagging on his second goal.

France did not capitulate immediately after the restart and succeeding in pressuring their opponents, but after Fox touched down on his debut to make the score 20-8 it was all one-way traffic.

Keith Senior sprinted over for an impressive try before Gleeson squeezed in out wide, scrum half Rob Burrow adding both goals to make the score an unassailable 32-8.

Senior then turned provider for his opposite centre, a well-timed run and well-placed pass allowing Gleeson to cut inside and complete his hat-trick, Burrow adding the two points.

The last 15 minutes of the game saw no final flourish for the French, Jon Wilkin touching down before Danny McGuire, joining the fray from the bench, and Paul Wellens followed suit, Sinfield converting each.

France - 8

T: Wynne (6)
G: Bosc (7, 22)

England - 58

T: Pryce (16); Gleeson (23, 56, 61); Fa'asavalu (33); Fox (45); Senior (50); Wilkin (65); McGuire (69); Wellens (74)
G: Sinfield (17, 34, 66, 70, 75); Burrow (51, 57, 61)

HT: 8-16

Ref: J Robinson

Att: 8,326