Arise, Sir Jonny call as country glows

LONDON - England basked in the unaccustomed glow of sporting glory yesterday as the enormity of the World Cup win sank in and newspapers called for match-winning first five-eighth Jonny Wilkinson to be knighted.

With euphoria unseen since the glory days of the country's 1966 World Cup soccer triumph, sports writers fell over themselves to lay purple prose at the feet of the conquering heroes.

"After 37 years of tears, taunts and torture, we're world beaters again thanks to Jonny," trumpeted the Sunday Mirror newspaper.

"Our rugby legends have inspired a feelgood factor across the land."

The newspaper added in a huge headline: "Give 'em a gong [medal]," while the People said: "Odds-on Sir Jonny."

The News of the World announced: "We have a new generation of England heroes, especially the magnificent Jonny Wilkinson."

Streets and roads across Britain were deserted, with millions glued to the television.

The RAC reported traffic was down substantially during the final.

Traffic volumes fell by up to 60 per cent - with almost 10 million vehicles missing from the roads.

And World Cup fever even proved too much for one groom on the way to his wedding.

The desperate fan's vehicle broke down on the way to the church and he called the RAC breakdown service.

When the mechanic arrived, the fan pleaded to use her mobile phone.

But instead of letting his bride know he would be late because of the hiccup - he used the phone to call his friends for a commentary on what was happening in the final.

The mechanic, Nina Arnott, said: "I gather he wasn't too pleased his wedding coincided with the final anyway, but he wishes to remain anonymous.

"He said his new wife would kill him if she found out."

Speculation was rife that the unassuming Wilkinson, 24, could now also earn soccer-style sponsorship deals of up to £5 million ($13.42 million) a year.

As England fans geared up for a big celebration when the team return home on Wednesday, bookmakers William Hill gave odds of 4-1 that Wilkinson would be honoured in the New Year awards.

Team coach Clive Woodward was even more fancied at 6-4.

The Queen sent her congratulations on the victory and Prime Minister Tony Blair said that he was considering an official celebration.

For a country little used to scooping top sporting prizes, the moment was a glorious flash of colour on a dark and rainy November day.

Tens of thousands of bleary-eyed Britons set the alarm and ploughed through storms to be in pubs and bars by the 9am (local time) kickoff.

Wincing over the first beers of the day, they watched glumly as Australia took an early lead, cheered as England replied with a try, and bit their lips as the 1999 champions levelled the scores to force extra time after 80 minutes.

But as the tense encounter unfolded, the volume of noise increased, culminating in an eruption of joy as Wilkinson sealed victory with just seconds to go.

"The genius first-five put the nation back on top of the world, snatching a victory that lit up the dreariest of winter days for millions of ecstatic fans," the News of the World said.

Blair, who watched the game at his country residence 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."

The joy was shared by England supporters around the world, including British soldiers in southern Iraq, who managed to watch the match on a satellite feed, and by the cricket team in Sri Lanka.

Echoes of the country's soccer win 47 years ago - the last time England won a major team tournament - were clearly audible through the celebrations.

An English soccer hero of yesteryear, Jimmy Greaves, summed up the mood to the News of the World when he said: "The new generation have now got a moment to remember without having 1966 rammed down their throats."

- REUTERS

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