Instead, he opted to reflect on the amazing proceedings at Telstra Stadium in the privacy of his hotel room.

In his column in The Times, Wilkinson writes: "The nightclub that we went to was great and they'd organised everything really well, but there were just too many people in there.

"It just wasn't quite what I was up for, so I got the first bus home with some of the coaches.

"It was only when I was back in my room that I was able to reflect calmly, away from the madness of all the World Cup celebrations, and think about the past eight weeks, what they meant, what winning this World Cup is really all about and how this feeling should not be wasted.

"As far as the party went, I knew I was under some pressure when Matt Dawson grabbed me at the end of the game. He wagged his finger in my face and said: 'Right, party. You are going to party.'

"I did have a couple of beers, but that was only really as a solidarity thing with the other guys.

"There are times for letting yourself go, but Saturday night I just wanted to let it all soak in."

Wilkinson will return to Britain this week with a precious memento of England's World Cup triumph - as well as a winner's medal.

The 24-year-old initially celebrated being crowned a world champion by frantically taking photographs of his victorious team-mates.

While many a viewer thought of the fame and fortune heading Wilkinson's way following his goalkicking heroics, his mind was firmly on photos for the family album.

"My mind was on the people who support me - my family, my friends and team-mates," said Wilkinson.

"I wanted to get photos with the guys. I wanted to get photos with Mike Catt, who's not been in the squad for a long time, and Paul Grayson, who has been a massive influence.

"I got around and made sure I got a photo with Will [Greenwood] who I sit next to in the changing room and with Daws [Matt Dawson], who sits on the other side, and just thought how much energy I've taken from other people back home - people like Blacky [Newcastle fitness coach Steve Black], my mum and dad and brother."

Wilkinson has vowed not to let any prospective promotional activities affect his rugby career, and admitted he will be glad when the spotlight is eventually moved away from him.

As England's key man throughout the tournament, Wilkinson was subjected to massive media interest and he is looking forward to stepping out of the limelight - if that is possible after his Sydney display.

"It's been a long eight weeks," said Wilkinson. "At times you think 'when does it stop?' and I think that's when you draw on the energy of your team-mates to understand it's not everything.

"It's a massive part of my life and I want it to be massive and make sure I make the most of it but at the end of the day I have my family to go back to and a great life in Newcastle."