GLOUCESTER'S Jonny May surely booked his place for the World Cup opener against Fiji with a dazzling wing display as England claimed an edgy 19-14 victory at Twickenham in their 100th meeting with France.

May's Kingsholm team-mate and number eight Ben Morgan lasted until half-time in his first appearance since breaking his leg in January – a pre-planned substitution – and will surely be given another outing in the return match in Paris next Saturday.

Meanwhile, uncapped centre pairing Sam Burgess and Henry Slade also played themselves into World Cup contention with impressive performances.

The tries were supplied by May and his equally impressive fellow wing Anthony Watson (two).

Burgess produced a couple of wince-inducing hits, carried well and looked comfortable in the Test arena just 10 months after completing his move from rugby league.

The only stain on his performance was a first-half yellow card that exposed his lack of union nous as he tugged back Morgan Parra after the France scrum-half had taken a quick-tap penalty.

Slade was also impressive, showing the handling and vision that have been his calling card at club level, and the subtlety of his skill set complimented the physical prowess of Burgess.

Head coach Stuart Lancaster has stated it is highly unlikely both centres will be selected in his final 31-man World Cup squad and on this evidence it would be a tough call to include one at the expense of the other and both will be looked at again.

England sparkled across the backline, May and Watson injecting pace and finishing their chances and full-back Alex Goode surely guaranteed his place with a creative display that saw him repeatedly operate at first receiver.

One setback was the wrist injury sustained by tighthead Kieran Brookes, who went off in the second half after taking a blow that could remove him from World Cup contention.

"Anthony and Jonny have been excellent in training and it was good to see them deliver what they've been doing in training into the games," said head coach Stuart Lancaster. "They were both sharp and took their tries well."

England had barely touched the ball inside the opening ten minutes but breached the whitewash with their first meaningful attack, as quick hands from Slade gave Watson a half-chance and the Bath wing accepted by showing a rapid turn of pace to round a terrible tackle by Dulin.

Seven minutes later Watson scored his second after Burgess, Owen Farrell and May combined in the midfield to create space that the 21-year-old turned into a try after a clever jink.

Parra landing two penalties that sandwiched a barnstorming run by number eight Luis Picamoles.

James Haskell emerged instead of Morgan for a second half that began in chaotic fashion, but by the 46th minute England has scored their third try with wonderful hands from Slade instrumental in setting up May.

Fate was not with the World Cup hosts as the match entered the final quarter, however, as Brookes departed just moments before Fulgence Ouedraogo touched down at the end of a line out drive that scattered white shirts.

Twickenham was silent as France launched a late assault knowing a try would seize victory, but James Haskell secured a penalty and the final whistle was blown.