LOCK James Scott is quietly confident England’s unheralded pack can win the arm wrestle against a powerful France side in the World Under 20 Championship final tomorrow (6pm).

France’s set of forwards, including giant prop Demba Bamba and 17-year-old number eight Jordan Joseph, received rave reviews after overpowering defending champions New Zealand in a 16-7 victory.

But Worcester Warriors academy ace Scott has backed England to front up against their opponents as they aim to clinch their fourth title in Beziers.

“There has been talk about the French pack being big and strong but I think we are probably exactly the same as them,” said the 18-year-old former Malvern College student.

“We talk about other teams having big props and nullifying their threats but I don’t think we give ourselves enough credit sometimes.

“Our pack has performed pretty well this tournament and we have put down a good marker since the Six Nations.

“We have come on a lot and showed dominance against some of the other packs in the group stages.

“I reckon the battle up front is going to be a seriously tough one.

“But there is always a quiet confidence.”

England thumped Scotland 35-10, Italy 43-5 and Argentina 39-13 before holding on to beat South Africa 32-31 in an enthralling semi-final.

Scott said excitement was building within the camp and felt the experience of winning 22-9 in France in this year’s Six Nations Under 20 Championship would stand them in good stead.

“It does give us that little extra boost knowing we have done it in the past,” Scott said.

“But they are a different team now as are we.

“When we played France during the Six Nations there were about 11,000 French fans and that was one of the best atmospheres I have ever played in.

“I think we are looking at just under double that number so it is going to be absolutely electric and that is going to play a key part in the game.

“I am hoping we will come out of the blocks pretty fast and be able to silence the crowd a bit to take that edge away from them.”

England’s ill-discipline almost cost them dear against South Africa who came charging back in the second half to get within one point.

But Steve Bates’ side clung on to win and Scott, who was sin-binned in the closing stages, said they were focused on reducing their penalty count.

“We had been given a team warming and I got pinged for going into the side of a maul,” Scott said.

“At the time I thought it was legal as I didn’t do it on purpose but looking back it was definitely illegal.

“They were a nervy last couple of minutes but I knew we would hold out.

“I was massively grateful at the end of the game.

“They all realised it wasn’t malicious but we knew we gave away too many penalties.

“Hopefully we will be able to cut out those silly penalties.

“My dad and sister are coming out to watch the final. It would be an amazing achievement if we do manage to win it.”

Scott starts at number five with Worcester team-mates Ted Hill at six and Beck Cutting and Will Butler on the bench.

England: Parton (London Irish); Ibitoye (Harlequins), Dingwall (Northampton Saints), Hardwick (Leicester Tigers), Olowofela (Leicester Tigers); Smith (Harlequins), White (Leicester Tigers); Seville (Gloucester Rugby), Walker (Gloucester Rugby), Painter (Northampton Saints), Kpoku (Saracens), Scott (Worcester Warriors), Hill (Worcester Warriors), Curry (Sale Sharks), Basham (London Irish). Replacements: Cutting (Worcester Warriors), Knight (Gloucester Rugby), Heyes (Leicester Tigers), Willis (Wasps), Hinkley (Gloucester Rugby), Brand (London Irish), Grayson (Northampton Saints), Butler (Worcester Warriors).