Queen and Blair congratulate England

The Queen has passed on her compliments to the England rugby side after they lifted the World Cup with victory over Australia.

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

Prime Minister Tony Blair also sent his congratulations to the England team following their 20-17 extra-time victory.

Mr Blair, who watched the game at Chequers, said: "This was a fantastic day for English rugby and for England. 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."

Each England player has scooped a bonus of £45,000 for winning the Webb Ellis trophy.

Coach Clive Woodward has also been tipped for a knighthood in the New Year Honours, while Wilkinson is the favourite to win the title of BBC Sports Personality of the Year next month.

The squad are expected to return home on Tuesday after celebrating their success at a champagne reception Down Under.

Meanwhile, bookmakers William Hill gave Jonny Wilkinson 4 to 1 odds of being knighted in the forthcoming New Year's Honours List - and England coach Clive Woodward 6 to 4 to be honoured in the same way.

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