England defeated Australia 20-17 in the World Cup final

Sir Clive Woodward's men fought off tough competition from, among others, AC Milan, the Australian cricket team, and Ferrari to scoop the top prize.

England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson was beaten to the Sportsman of the Year award by Formula One world champion Michael Schumacher.

England are the second British winners, after Man Utd were honoured in 2000.

Woodward's side succeed the Brazilian football team, who collected the prize last year.

The previous year's winners were Australia's cricket team, with the French football team taking the honours in 2001.

Among the other victors were golfing stars Annika Sorenstam who was named Sportswoman of the Year and 14-year-old Michelle Wie, who was crowned Newcomer of the Year.

Austrian skier Hermann Maier bagged the Comeback of the Year trophy for his recovery from a motorcycle accident in August 2001, which he barely survived.

Last month, he won the overall World Cup title for a fourth time.

Layne Beachley of Australia, who last year became the first surfer to win six world titles in a row, was voted Alternative Sportsperson of the Year.

Canadian sprinter Earle Connor won the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability award for breaking four world records in six days last year.

The event is organised by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a charitable organisation that supports numerous projects across the world.