JIM Mallinder's England face an almighty challenge if they're to qualify for next week's semi-finals at the World Championships in Argentina.

With only the top four teams progressing, a 34-16 mid-week defeat at the hands of South Africa sees the under 21s languishing in sixth position on the leaderboard.

England must now beat France in tonight's final pool game and pick up a much-needed bonus point for scoring tries if they're to even stand a chance of progression.

Mallinder's men must also rely on a slip-up from one of New Zealand, South Africa, Australia or hosts Argentina to reach the latter stages.

England lost 20-17 to the French during this year's Six Nations, but having seen their neighbours from across the Channel struggle to a 43-40 win against Italy on Monday -- Mallinder's men remain confident.

"This is a vital game for us," said Mallinder. "We've still got a good chance of getting in the top four and making it to the semi-finals for the first time ever.

"We'll just be going out there to win against the French and if we get a bonus point then great."

Mallinder has welcomed back Worcester's Simon Whatling for the crunch clash against the French. The centre missed the South Africa defeat after picking up a knee injury in England's first pool game against Samoa.

"It's great to be back in the team for such a massive match," said Whatling. "I was gutted about missing the South Africa game, but I fully understood why and I've kept myself in shape in the gym ahead of the France game.

"The French are a well-respected team and we know it's going to be a difficult game.

"But hopefully we will play to our full potential and the win will come and the four tries we need.

"We would be very disappointed, as any team would, to score four tries and still lose."