England set for heroes' homecoming

England’s World Cup winners will fly home to a heroes' welcome on Tuesday.

The trophy, the Webb Ellis Cup, will have its own seat at the front of a British Airways plane as they head towards London.

Clive Woodward and his all-conquering team are due to arrive at Heathrow airport shortly before 5am on Tuesday.

In the wake of their victory over Australia plans were feverishly being finalised to ensure the team get a reception deserving of their achievement.

The celebrations were likely to include a victory parade through central London and a champagne reception with Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street.

The team are certain to receive a rapturous welcome from the English public after winning the sport's biggest prize for the first time.

Tributes to their 20-17 victory with a drop goal from Jonny Wilkinson were led by The Queen and the British Prime Minister.

And England football captain David Beckham paid tribute to golden-boot Wilkinson.

Beckham, speaking from his home in Spain, revealed he did not get chance to see the game as he was with his Real Madrid team-mates.

He said: “I did not get to see the game because I was in training but I had a friend at the game who called and so I heard the crowd cheer when they lifted the cup.

“It was a very proud day for England. I said during the week that I felt England would win and Jonny really deserves what happened.

“Congratulations go to the whole team on behalf of the England football team.”

A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman said: “The Queen has sent a message to Clive Woodward congratulating the team on a great victory.

Tony Blair watched the game at his country residence Chequers.

He said: “This was a fantastic day for English rugby. The team can be proud of their performance, their spirit and above all their character.

“It was a victory they worked for and the whole country can be proud of them.

“It has been a great competition in which all the home countries have performed with distinction.”

Downing Street is discussing plans for an official celebration to mark the triumph.

Officials from No 10 have been in discussion with the Rugby Football Union over the past week and are considering reception for the players at Downing Street.

A spokesman said: “We have been talking to the RFU to see how we could mark their efforts. A reception is obviously one of the things we are talking to them about.”

England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson paid tribute too.

He said: “This was a huge challenge to go to Australia and beat the hosts in the final,” said Eriksson.

“They achieved the victory with excellent mental strength. They were favourites at the beginning of the tournament and you could see the belief they had in themselves.

“We must give credit to Clive Woodward and every single player. Congratulations to them all. They are lions.

“This is a very proud day for English sport. Everyone should enjoy this victory.

“We wish for the same success when we go to Portugal for the European Championships next year.”

While The Queen watched the game on TV her grandson Prince Harry cheered the team on at the game Down Under and afterwards hugged the players in their dressing room.

He described the match as a final he would never forget.

Harry, 19, who is spending three months in Australia as part of a gap year, said: “I’m delighted that England has won the Rugby World Cup.

“Both teams played brilliantly and it was a final I shall never forget.”

He has followed England since arriving in the country, joining supporters including the wife of head coach Woodward at their games.