Since the 2023 World Cup, Wales have a wretched international record of 22 defeats in 24 Tests, with the only two victories coming against Japan in 2025.

It has been 1,064 days since Wales’ previous Six Nations victory against Italy in Rome in March 2023 with this latest hammering proving a 12th successive loss in the tournament.

Wales host favourites France in eight days in Cardiff having not won a home match in the tournament since defeating Scotland in February 2022.

Ticket sales are slow for the three home games with thousands still available for the visit of Les Bleus.

“Every voice matters to us at the minute, every fan that can get behind us,” said Lake.

“We know we’re going to be better next week. We’ve spoken a lot about wanting to excite a nation.

“We didn’t do it today but we’ve got another four games in this tournament.”

Lake says the effort of the squad can not be questioned but admits the quality was not there against England.

“This group will fight for each other all day,” said Lake.

“There’s no question of effort. It’s not hard to get that out of this group or keep these players going.

“They love wearing this jersey and want to work hard.

“That’s why this group is special. For us, it’s about turning it into accuracy and flipping that into our favour.”