Jonny: Our way to say thanks

England's rugby heroes today paid tribute to the fans who helped make their World Cup dream come true.

Jonny Wilkinson said: "They make huge efforts to support us whenever we play around the world. It makes a real difference. Today it is good to pay them back, today's a great day to do that."

The fly half, whose drop goal clinched victory, added: "The fans are wonderful, it will be great to relive some of the atmosphere."

Even people who aren't keen on rugby have approached him and thanked him "for making it such a special occasion", he said, adding: "We probably didn't recognise out there just what it meant to people back here."

Lawrence Dallaglio said: "This World Cup was won for the whole country. That's how it should be received. It is very humbling to be here at all." Ben Cohen added: "It's a very exciting day for us. And it's certainly a long way from Manly Beach."