Johnson hails 'fantastic' England

Martin Johnson tonight hailed England’s “fantastic” achievement in being crowned world champions.

Johnson led his team to a dramatic 20-17 success over holders and host nation Australia at Telstra Stadium.

The final went to extra-time after England blew a nine-point interval lead, being clawed back from 14-5 ahead to 14-14.

But fly-half Jonny Wilkinson came up trumps when it really mattered, slotting a penalty in the first period of extra-time and then kicking a last-gasp drop goal after Australia had drawn level at 17-17.

Johnson became the first captain of his country to lift the Webb Ellis trophy, as England took rugby union’s glittering golden prize home to Europe for the first time.

“It hasn’t sunk in. It will take a few days to sink in – it is fantastic for all the players, the management and the whole of England,” Johnson said.

Johnson relived the moments that led to superstar Wilkinson producing his exulted kick.

“After they kicked the equalising penalty, we called a long kick-off and we went straight up the middle,” Johnson added.

“Once Matt Dawson had made the break, followed by Neil Back, I took it up once more, and I think there were 30 seconds to go.

“We then had Wilko in front of the sticks to win the World Cup and you just wouldn’t have anyone else there, would you?”

The game was often a scrappy affair in wet conditions, but the high drama more than compensated for errors from both sides.

England head coach Clive Woodward said: “This was our fifth win in a row against Australia, so we are on a very big roll.”

“Winning the World Cup is very important, and it is just a big thank you to the Premiership clubs and the Rugby Football Union. We have just put the icing on the cake and we want to keep this going.

“What happened on the pitch at the end will live with us forever. I think we should make it compulsory now that you don’t get a ticket at Twickenham unless you wear a white shirt,” added Woodward, in tribute to England’s legions of supporters.

“These memories tonight will live forever. If I could have picked the final for this tournament, then it would have been England versus Australia.”

Despite England’s victory, there was no disguising a sense of relief that they finally came up trumps following a stunning Wallabies fightback.

“Australia stepped up to the mark tonight, and it was a great World Cup final. But we are delighted to win,” Woodward added.

Speculation will now intensify as to whether some England players will announce their retirement from Test rugby.

But Woodward said: “It is up to the players, but I would say leave it now until January. I am hopeful that all 30 players in this squad will be available for the first Six Nations game in February.”

England number eight Lawrence Dallaglio saluted England’s incredible support, stating: “You have got to savour the day. The supporters have been fantastic - they have had to listen to a lot that has been written about us – but today was a special day for them.”