The England head coach Andy Robinson last night accepted responsibility for England's heaviest defeat in the championship since the dark days of 1986 when they were thrashed 33-6 at Murrayfield.

Since Jonny Wilkinson dropped the goal in extra-time in Sydney in 2003 to pip Australia for the Webb Ellis Trophy, England have lost 12 of their 23 Test matches, a sequence in which they have yet to defeat France or Ireland in the Six Nations. It is a wretched record, even for a team which does not aspire to do well in next year's World Cup, let alone one which talks about winning the event.

England players made a hasty exit after their abject display, with only Martin Corry and Jamie Noon agreeing to be interviewed. Robinson last week had talked of the need to strangle France but he succeeded only in giving himself enough rope. From the opening seconds, England were beset by an indecision which proved as catching as the gastro-enteritis which swept through the team's hotel on Saturday.

"I am not using illness as an excuse," said Robinson. "You can make your own judgment about whether it played a part in our performance. All I can say is the tries France scored were not because of it. We played poorly in every aspect, from the first whistle when we gave away a soft try. When we were in possession, we kicked badly or got turned over."

Robinson appeared at one point to be making a case for resignation, only to correct the misapprehension. "We are confident in what we are trying to achieve," he said. "The players are stunned and are putting up their hands like the good professionals they are. I am in charge and I take full responsibility for this."

Robinson had implied when making just two changes after the defeat by Scotland he would be less tolerant if his players flopped in Paris but he was non-committal about his selection plans for Saturday's final fixture against Ireland at Twickenham. England have little chance of winning the Six Nations because France are two points ahead with a much superior points difference.

Robinson he said. "This is the most disappointing day I have had since taking over as head coach. We are trying to build a fortress at Twickenham and it is not just a question of responding against Ireland but doing so in a big way."

"This is like a smack in the face," said Noon. "We were rubbish and made far too many mistakes. A team like France is going to make you pay. Illness had nothing to do with it."

In 1986, England were coached by Martin Green, who once explained a defeat at Lansdowne Road by saying he had not expected rain in Dublin. It is pouring on Robinson now and Ireland will not be bringing umbrellas on Saturday.

Guardian Service