Austin Healey believes it is time for Andy Robinson to stand down as coach after England’s 31-6 defeat by France virtually ended their hopes of claiming the Six Nations crown.

It was England’s seventh defeat in 14 Six Nations games since they lifted the World Cup in Australia and Healey, who won more than 50 caps for the national team, insists the time has come for Robinson, as well as coaches Joe Lydon and Phil Larder, to be replaced.

Healey wrote in his column in the Daily Mirror: "There are some fine coaches in English rugby but unfortunately they are not coaching the England rugby team. It is time that changed.

"As an Englishman and someone who hates to see England lose, I implore the Rugby Football Union to get a grip on what’s going on. If we’re going to have a chance of retaining the World Cup, something has to be done now.

"England’s Six Nations record under Andy Robinson is won seven, lost seven. That speaks for itself really. Robbo has got to hold his hand up and say, ‘I’ve given it my best shot but unfortunately I’m not good enough’. I think it’s time that he did that."

Ireland travel to Twickenham on Saturday knowing a win will be good enough to secure the Triple Crown.