Teenagers in 14 different European countries were tested on their ability to speak the first foreign language taught in schools, which for England was French.
In reading, writing and listening tests, English pupils were ranked bottom.
The study suggests youngsters are lagging far behind their European peers, with many unable to understand more than basic words or phrases.
Just 11 percent of English pupils studying French were considered "independent users" in writing – the lowest in Europe for a first foreign language. In comparison, across all countries, two-fifths of students were at this level.
Only 9.2 percent were ranked in the top category for French reading – again, the lowest in Europe for a first foreign language.
The highest performers overall, based on reading, listening and writing skills, were Sweden, Malta and the Netherlands, the research found.
But France, where students' English skills were tested, also performed badly, perfoming second-worst in all three disciplines.
The study, conducted as part of the European Survey on Language Competences (ESLC) was released on the same day a new report from the British Academy found that the UK's poor foreign language skills were hurting the economy.
The British Academy report said a "vicious circle of monolingualism" was taking place, as the dearth of necessary skills forced British employers to "sidestep language issues", removing incentives for new language students.
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