Former England head coach Clive Woodward has heaped praise on Danny Cipriani, who came off the bench to spark a late fightback as England lost 25-20 to France.

The World Cup hosts struggled in the first half and trailed 15-6 at the break, before Yoann Huget put France clear with a try in the early stages of the second period.

However, Cipriani came off the bench and scored a try with 10 minutes to go, before helping Mike Brown set up Jonathan Joseph eight minutes later.

Woodward wrote in the Daily Mail: "The bench made a huge difference and Cipriani did everything that it is possible for a 'fringe' player to do in the last 20 minutes of the game.

"He brought poise to the midfield and took his try very well indeed, showing real strength and speed — and a lot of determination. I have always been a huge supporter of Cipriani, he is a super player, but reluctantly I concede he probably won't make it."

England will name their World Cup squad on August 31.