ENGLAND'S World Cup champions will return home to a heroes' reception tomorrow - and the biggest cheer of all will be reserved for Jonny Wilkinson.

Thousands of well-wishers are expected to welcome the team when they arrive from Australia after the nation's biggest sporting triumph since 1966.

But that will only be the start. Preparations were under way last night for a victory parade through central London. A champagne reception at 10 Downing Street is also on the cards.

And in the North-East, there were calls for Wilkinson to be given his adopted city's highest honour.

Civic chiefs in Newcastle are considering calls for the 24-year-old - who plays for Newcastle Falcons - to be made an Honorary Freeman of the City.

Wilkinson was the young man who seized the moment to win the World Cup for his country in the dying seconds of extra time after a nail-biting battle with Australia.

The 24-year-old fly-half's last minute drop goal means he is destined to become one of Britain's greatest sporting heroes.

Wilkinson restored England's three point lead and ensured the William Webb Ellis Cup would be returning on the plane (it has its own seat) to London in the early hours of tomorrow.

As a wave of jubilation swept the country, tributes were led by Prime Minister Tony Blair who hailed the win as: "A fantastic day for English rugby and a fantastic day for England.

"The team can be proud of their performance, their spirit and, above all, their character."

Another North-East World Cup winner, football legend Jack Charlton, backed calls for the North-East to honour Wilkinson on his return.

The former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland manager said: "I hope there is some sort of reception up here for what he has achieved because it's marvellous. It has to be marked in some way.

"When little Wilko gets back to Newcastle it's going to be unbelievable.

"I'll be trying to get a ticket for their next game just to see him, but there'll be a hell of a queue."

However, the World Cup winner - named International Rugby Board Player of the Year at the weekend - may not be playing when Newcastle Falcons face Wasps, in the Zurich Premiership, on Saturday. But there are plans to at least present the match-winning star to the crowd, which may give the Falcons their first full-house since the Kingston Park ground was extended to its 10,000 capacity.

Wilkinson's proud mum Philippa, who went shopping during the match because she could not stand the tension, said she was incredibly proud of her son.

But she added: "You can't just say it's the one boy, it is the whole team."

Big names from the world of football joined in the congratulations. England coach Sven Goran Eriksson hailed the team as "true lions".

Newcastle United manager Bobby Robson said: "The game was fantastic, a true thriller and they did us all proud.

"Jonny Wilkinson is a tremendous player. We should be thankful for him."

Sir Bobby added: "It was a sensational result, an heroic performance. We had it won and then it wasn't won; we had it won again and nearly lost it.

"I liken it to the England football team going to Brazil, playing them in the World Cup final in the Maracana, and beating them. It's a huge victory and terrific for our country."

Veteran Newcastle councillor Danny Marshall said Wilkinson has displayed "all the great qualities" befitting an honorary freeman of the city.

"They were there for all to see in the World Cup final," he said.

"He's cool, calm, collected, a fine sportsman and a remarkable young man."

The Rugby Football Union (RFU), the sport's governing body, has contacted the authorities for discussions on a victory parade to honour the heroes.

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.

"I will be happy to work with the sporting authorities and the Government to make it happen."

So confident was the RFU, that it even started planning for the event before the thrilling win over the Wallabies.

Officials from the RFU called Westminster City Council on 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 the council.

* Comedian and film director Mel Smith bid £20,000 at a charity auction on Saturday night for an England rugby shirt signed by the victorious World Cup team.

The money will go towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to youngsters with life-threatening illnesses.