England fall short

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Sale Sharks star Sebastien Chabal struck nine minutes from time, powering through weak English defence for the decisive score of a gripping game.

England's fifth successive home win under head coach Brian Ashton looked likely after Olly Barkley booted four penalties and Andy Gomarsall dropped a goal.

But 2007 World Cup hosts France, who claimed an early touchdown from veteran lock Fabien Pelous, struck a psychological blow ahead of a quickfire rematch in Marseille next Saturday.

Ashton will announce his 30-man World Cup squad next Tuesday and, despite the defeat, there were impressive contributions from fringe candidates Barkley and centre Jamie Noon.

Noon was a threat throughout the contest, defending tigerishly and attacking menace. Like Barkley, he might have done enough.

France, though, had just enough in the tank, as fly-half David Skrela and substitute scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Elissalde added 11 points with the boot.