Woodward - set for victory parade.

By Pat Hurst, PA News

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England's World Cup heroes were set to receive a heroes' welcome when their 'Sweet Chariot' touched down at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday morning.

Hundreds of supporters were expected at Terminal Four to cheer the team's 5am arrival off flight BA16 from Sydney with the Webb Ellis Trophy.

Meanwhile plans were underway for the team to undertake a victory parade of London's streets likely to end in a champagne reception at Downing Street.

Rugby Football Union and Westminster Council officials have already staged talks about a proposed open-top bus tour which is expected to take place next week.

Dee McIntosh, England media manager at the RFU, said that while such a parade was of paramount importance, logistics meant it would be delayed.

McIntosh said: "Everybody that is part of the equation wants a parade to happen.

"We feel we want to give the England fans every opportunity to see the players and coaches when they come home.

"The logistics and organisation are in hand and it is just a case of discussions with the council and the police over what the ideal route would be.

"Certainly it will not be immediate because of the logistics of getting 31 players back from the clubs to which they will return tomorrow. It will have to be worked around their availability."

London mayor Ken Livingstone supported plans for a parade while Downing Street confirmed there was an open invitation to a reception at Number 10.

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 and I will happily work with the government and the sporting authorities to make it happen."

Downing Street said they would consult players and the RFU before deciding what form any celebrations would take.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The first thing to recognise is that team have been away for eight weeks and, understandably I think, their first wish when they get back is to see their families."

The squad were due to attend a press conference in Surrey tomorrow morning before being whisked home for more local acclaim.

Jonny Wilkinson has already been proposed for the Freedom of the City of Newcastle by delighted civic leaders in the north-east.

Newcastle City Council leader Tony Flynn said he would propose the honour for Wilkinson - who has played all his career for Newcastle Falcons - at the next full council meeting next month.

Flynn said: "The people of Newcastle feel a great pride for all of Jonny's achievements."

If approved, Wilkinson will join such previous sporting recipients as Alan Shearer and Jonathan Edwards.

He will receive a Scroll of Freedom, sign a register dating back to the 1800s and have his name chiselled into a wall of honour at Newcastle Civic Centre.