Ireland have retained the Six Nations championship after England fell just short of the total they needed in their victory over France.

Joe Schmidt's side had set a points difference 26 superior to England heading into the latter's final match against France tonight, following this afternoon's victory over Scotland.

England's Ben Youngs,Anthony Watson and George Ford dejected after Vincent Debaty of France scored a try ©INPHO/James Crombie

In an epic topsy-turvy match which swung this way and that, England fell six points short of the mark set by Ireland as they beat France 55-35 at Twickenham. 

GEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET IN!!!!!!!!!!

— Brian O'Driscoll (@BrianODriscoll) March 21, 2015

Despite tries from Ben Youngs, Anthony Watson, George Ford, Billy Vunipola and Jack Nowell - as well as kicks from George Ford - France also racked up a points total of their own thanks to tries from Sebastien Tillous-Borde, Noa Nakaitaci, Maxime Mermoz, Vincent Debaty and Benjamin Kayser to prevent England from getting over the title line.