Jonny Wilkinson admits he has no idea of what France will do against England in Paris on Saturday.

The fly half, who helped defeat the French in the World Cup semi-final last October, says this season's RBS Six Nations Championship match cannot be judged on that result.

England have not beaten France away from home in the Six Nations since February 2000 when the Newcastle player inspired a 15-9 win and he believes the challenge will be as daunting as ever.

"I think playing against France, there is always an experience of the unknown," Wilkinson said. "They are a team that is capable of doing things on a rugby pitch that just don't make sense. They do things you can't explain.

"Anyone who has been on a rugby pitch against the French knows there can be great surges of energy. You can be on the opposition 22 thinking everything is great, then all of a sudden you are behind your posts wondering where the hell the last ten seconds have gone. That is kind of the way this French team is playing. They are very much in tune with each other, and they are building a fantastic team.

"There is a real need for the guys to be hugely aware and conscious of the fact heads must be up. You cannot afford to switch off for a second. Even when you are miles away from the ball, they can suddenly exploit you, whether it's two phases of play or whatever. There is no respite.

"It's kind of like head in the fridge, body on fire. You need to be able to spot things quickly, otherwise you get caught on the hop."

The England squad head to the French capital today with a clean bill of health as Andrew Sheridan, who missed the narrow victory over Italy, has recovered from an infected cut on his right heel.

Given that an insect bite laid him low last summer, tests on Sheridan's immune system have been conducted and the results appear promising. "I saw an immunologist, and all the indications are that I am not likely to keel over at any moment," the prop said.

"I've had a bit of stick from some of the lads. Mr Regan [Mark Regan, the England hooker] has made some comments. He did say I should drink more cider - the usual jibes.

"It was frustrating watching in Rome. I was just pleased we won, but in the second half we turned the ball over too much and we have been working in training to rectify those problems. We need to give a more consistent performance over 80 minutes, be more patient and look after the ball better."

He addedP: "I enjoyed playing at the Stade de France during the World Cup. It is a great place to play. It's a great occasion, and I want to make the most of it."