Six Nations: World Cup finalists England odds-on to take the crown

England are a generally available 4-6 to win the Six Nations for a third time in Eddie Jones' tenure following their run to the Rugby World Cup final.

The Red Rose saw off New Zealand in a memorable semi-final before finding South Africa too strong in the final.

Jones is expected to blood some future stars in this championship but Ireland and Wales are due to visit Twickenham and those teams look as if they will be the main contenders, providing England can win at least one of their opening away fixtures against France and Scotland.

Ireland are second favourites despite a below-par 2019, and new head coach Andy Farrell looks likely to have a positive impact.

He has already emphasised the importance of their opening two fixtures against Scotland and Wales, which are both at the Aviva Stadium.

Defending champions Wales are as big as 6-1 to follow up last year's Grand Slam with another triumph. New head coach Wayne Pivac is already without Jonathan Davies and Gareth Anscombe while Jonah Holmes, Liam Williams and Rhys Patchell all are doubtful to be fit for Wales' opening fixture against Italy.

France host the next World Cup and their preparations for 2023 have begun with new head coach Fabien Galthie naming a youthful side.

Les Bleus were five minutes away from a World Cup semi-final and many punters could be tempted by their price of 7-1 given they have three games at home including showdowns with England and Ireland.

Scotland are a top-priced 25-1 to bounce back from their disappointing World Cup campaign with a first Championship since 1999 while Italy are the outsiders once again.

A Grand Slam has been won in the first championship following a World Cup on each of the last four occasions. France (2004), Wales (2008 and 2012) and England (2016) all went undefeated, but bookmakers are offering evens that there is no Grand Slam in 2020.

England are a top-priced 13-8 to win every game with Ireland next best at 9-1.

Italy have not won a match in the Six Nations since February 2015 and they are unsurprisingly long odds-on to collect the wooden spoon again. They are yet to name a permanent replacement for outgoing coach Conor O'Shea. South African Franco Smith, formerly of the Cheetahs and Treviso coach from 2007 to 2013, has taken the reins on a temporary basis.

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