Martin Johnson has told England it has one week to prove it has the self-belief to win tight games.
The England manager cut a frustrated figure after his side toiled to a 15-15 bore draw with Scotland in a Calcutta Cup clash which epitomised just how poor both teams are.
The Six Nations match was intensely physical and produced a nail-biting finish, but the only hint of a try was snuffed out by a desperate tackle from prop Dan Cole on Scotland scrum-half Chris Cusiter.
England first five-eighths Toby Flood, who had earlier replaced the injured Jonny Wilkinson, missed two late chances to win the game, but Johnson conceded his side would not have deserved the victory.
A fortnight ago England blew a lead against Ireland with five minutes remaining and Johnson warned his men will have to handle the pressure against France or face a hiding.
"Ireland was a game we could have won. It is a sign we haven't got the belief to nail those games," Johnson said.
"I was frustrated with some of the penalties we gave away. We gave the ball back so cheaply in the first half. We did some very good things and did some silly things.
"It added up to us not finishing off. Ultimately it was a tale of missed chances. Floody's kick was a couple of metres short at the end; it is those small margins.
"We just need to take that next step. As a team we have to find a way to win. We are trying to get better and trying to improve. Next week will be a step up from there.
"We have to stay with France because they try to blow you off the park in the first 20 minutes."
Scotland dominated the first half at Murrayfield yesterday, forcing England to make nearly four times as many tackles, and when there was tempo in the game it came from coach Andy Robinson's men.
The Scottish back row set the tone and Max Evans was influential in the roving brief he had been given by Robinson.
Dan Parks edged Scotland into a 9-6 half-time lead but Wilkinson equalised a minute into the second period before being forced off and replaced by Flood.
Parks kicked all Scotland's points and saw two penalties crash back off the post while Flood drew England level at 15-15 and teed up a tense finale.
England injected a sense of urgency when Johnson emptied his bench and Scotland was under pressure, but Flood saw a 50-metre penalty fall just short and his dropped goal attempt with the final play of the game was blocked.
It seems certain that Johnson will now make changes for the Paris trip.
Ben Foden replaced the struggling Delon Armitage at full-back and produced another eye-catching performance, while Lewis Moody, Steve Thompson and Courtney Lawes all came on to make an impact up front.
Johnson's hand may also be forced in some positions. Ugo Monye was cleared of any major neck damage after being carried off on a stretcher, but his condition is still being monitored.
Wilkinson insisted he had not suffered concussion after taking a heavy blow to the head but Johnson will again come under pressure to make a change at first five-eighths.
England's back division is still misfiring and they cannot exploit Mark Cueto's excellent individual form or utilise the devastating pace of Monye and Mathew