Coach Clive Woodward and his men are certain to receive a huge welcome home from thousands of England fans after the nation’s biggest sporting triumph since winning the football World Cup in 1966.

Wilkinson’s last-minute drop-goal secured England’s 20-17 victory over Australia.

England are likely to be feted with a victory parade and a champagne reception at Number 10.

Preparations for a public victory event are already under way.

The Rugby Football Union has contacted the authorities for tentative discussions on a public event in central London to honour the team.

And London Mayor Ken Livingstone said: “I think a parade in London or some similar public event to congratulate the England team on their victory is a great idea and I will be happy to work with the sporting authorities and the government to make it happen.”

So confident were the RFU that it even started plans for the event before the thrilling World Cup final win over the Wallabies.

Officials from the RFU called Westminster City Council last Friday to discuss a possible public event to honour the team.

“We would be honoured to host any sort of victory parade for them,” said a spokeswoman for Westminster City Council.

“We have been approached, late last week, by the RFU.

“Essentially the RFU would describe what they want to happen, what it would involve, then it would be up to us, as the local authority for central London, to make sure it could happen.

“The RFU had some plans but it is very much in the early stages. We would be happy to be involved. It would be up to the RFU when they want to do the parade.”

Meanwhile, the England team members continued their celebrations today and will not be home until Tuesday.

Battered and bruised, the players have been kept busy in the aftermath of the victory despite eight draining weeks Down Under.

Coach Woodward, fly-half Wilkinson and the rest of the team have been giving interviews to the world’s media since the victory.

Last night they attended the International Rugby Board player of the year awards – where the team swept the board.

Wilkinson, who landed the dramatic extra-time drop goal winner, was named international player of the year and Woodward voted coach of the year.

England was named team of the year.

They left Sydney on British Airways flight BA16 at 4.20pm Sydney time today (5.20am Irish time) and arrive at Heathrow 4.30am Irish time on Tuesday.

The Webb Ellis Cup will have its own seat at the front of the BA B747 plane, which has been named "Sweet Chariot" in honour of England’s triumph over Australia.

Woodward and his men will be welcomed on board with a toast by all the other passengers before retiring to the Club World section, where they will be able to make the most of the flat beds during their 22-hour flight.

Extra beer will be taken on board for members of the RFU party wanting to continue the celebrations.

At Heathrow they will face a mass of press and TV journalists eager to see the team bring the Webb Ellis Cup back to home soil.

The team will then attend a press conference at Pennyhill Park Hotel, Bagshot, Surrey, UK at 7.45am before the players are finally allowed home.

The RFU said details of any official functions will be made available as soon as they were known.