England 15, France 21

NEWCASTLE centre Jamie Noon left his World Cup calling card all over Twickenham, despite France recording their biggest away win against England for 32 years.

Noon delivered a performance of stature to emerge with a powerful run on the rails from England's congested midfield pack.

Noon has barely been talked about in World Cup terms this summer, yet England boss Brian Ashton will surely find it difficult to ignore the 28-year-old's claims.

The world champions' penultimate World Cup warm-up game was all about seizing the moment at a baking Twickenham, and no England player responded in more decisive fashion than Noon.

Noon said: ''I love playing for England. It drives me, it is a passion of mine, and when I put on that shirt I do my best.

''I believe in my ability, and I believe I am knocking on the door to be in that squad. Deep down, I believe I have got what it takes to play international rugby, and I am just working as hard as everyone else.

''My desire to be in the World Cup squad is massive. It is a childhood dream.

''Going into the game, I was actually the most relaxed I have ever been. I believed my destiny was in my own hands."

The power of positive thinking has been reinforced to Noon during sessions with renowned mind game experts Steve Black and Dr Steve Peters.

It is a quality every England World Cup hopeful will require during the next two days as Ashton contemplates his final combinations.

Noon added: ''It is about going out there, working hard and putting everything you have into whatever you are trying to achieve. I am more positive now than ever before.''

Ashton, consistently non-committal with regard to revealing any selection hints, added: ''I thought Jamie played well. He had more than a solid game.''

Whether the 25 times-capped Falcons star has done enough, only Ashton knows, although Mike Tindall might still be picked, despite his last game being four months ago.

But if World Cup warm-up games count for anything, then Noon should be on the September 3 flight to Paris.

England's Twickenham farewell as 2003 world champions produced a frustrating finale, with France snatching victory nine minutes from time when substitute Sebastien Chabal rampaged through the home defence.

Sale Sharks giant Chabal bounced defenders Nick Abendanon and Josh Lewsey into the middle of next week in a scene reminiscent of former All Blacks juggernaut Jonah Lomu scattering England to all parts during the 1995 World Cup semi-final.

Despite Jonny Wilkinson's late introduction off the bench, there was no way back for England, who had led 15-11 through four Olly Barkley penalties and an Andy Gomarsall drop-goal.

Ashton said: ''I don't like losing games we could have won. The camp is angry and frustrated.

''We just didn't take the opportunities we created. Maybe it was the excitement of getting into those positions, but guys at this level should be able to conquer that mental process.

''It is a harsh lesson to learn, but thank God it is learnt now.''

As they had done in demolishing a feeble Welsh side seven days earlier, England's forwards - lock Simon Shaw was again magnificent - battered away in search of physical and set-piece dominance.

A powerful French side though, met England head-on, with Fabien Pelous celebrating his equalling of Philippe Sella's 111-cap French Test record by scoring an early try, while David Skrela and Jean-Baptiste Elissalde shared 11 points through three penalties and a conversion.

France coach Bernard Laporte also made intelligent use of his substitutes, as Chabal, hooker Dimitri Szarzewski and midfield magician Frederic Michalak all made decisive contributions.

At least England, who dominated possession, have a quickfire chance to do it all over again - the teams meet in Marseille next Saturday - but their attacking game needs considerable sharpening and certain players must rid themselves of white-line fever by not ignoring clear overlaps.