PARIS -- England's preparations for the home World Cup suffered a setback as it slumped to a 25-20 loss to France after late comeback attempt fell short.

Danny Cipriani stepped off the bench to score a try and Jonathan Joseph also touched down in a lively finish, but France had been by far the better team in the first 70 minutes. 

France flyhalf Freddie Michalak finished with a 17-point haul and wing Yoann Huget also crossed. 

The England pack struggled against Les Bleus just seven days after a 19-14 victory over the same opponent at Twickenham.