England celebrate their victory. (Getty Images)
ENGLAND ON TOP OF THE WORLD
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Jonny Wilkinson landed a drop goal in the last minute of extra-time to win England the World Cup with a spine-tingling 20-17 victory over Australia.
Elton Flatley had forced extra-time with the last kick of the game to bring the scores level after Australia had rallied from 14-5 down at the interval.
Lote Tuqiri gave the Wallabies the ideal start with his fifth Test try before England moved ahead courtesy of Jonny Wilkinson's boot.
Jason Robinson then slid over as England surged ahead - only for Australia to turn the tables and Flatley to boot them back into the game in the second half.
Flatley then levelled again with three minutes remaining before England drove down field and their match-winner extraordinaire carved a slice of history.
Tearful England coach Clive Woodward claimed it was "a night I will never forget."
He told ITV1: "It was just fantastic. A massive thanks to every single fan in the stadium.
"This is the most incredible thing I've ever seen. I am speechless. Fantastic, unbelievable.
"My emotions? I was going nuts. We kept putting ourselves in trouble, making error after error. But who cares what I say? We have won the World Cup. I can't
wait to go home on Monday."
Captain Martin Johnson paid tribute to the team on and off the field.
"It was a huge effort from the entire squad, the backroom staff, the coaches and the physios, and thanks to the fans who have been brilliant.
"I can't say enough about the team. We had the lead then lost it, then came back and Wilko at the end - I just can't say enough.
"We were frustrated in the second half, but credit to Australia, they are a very good team and made it difficult for us. With 20 minutes of extra-time it could go either way."
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