He had been courted by a number of league clubs but chose to remain with Alfreton until he had completed his degree at Nottingham Trent University where he graduated in Sport & Exercise Science and Mathematics.
After an impressive start to the season, scoring five goals in seven games, he was signed for Hull City by then manager Peter Taylor in September 2003 for a fee of £15,000.
In the 2006–07 season, France's versatility was demonstrated as he played in a variety of positions for City, including left-wing, right-back and central midfield.
When France appeared for Hull City against Arsenal in the Premier League during the 2008–09 season,[1] he joined an elite band of players to have represented the same football club in all four divisions.
He revealed in a Hull City programme against West Ham United on 5 November 2011 that he had retired from the game due to a knee injury.