Beckham - good friends with Wilkinson (Getty Images)

By Paul Giblin, PA International, Madrid

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David Beckham has warned England's rugby hero Jonny Wilkinson how life will become "crazy for him" from the moment the triumphant World Cup winners land back at Heathrow on Tuesday.

The remarkable friendship between Wilkinson and England football captain Beckham has blossomed since they filmed an advert together, and they spoke at the weekend following Saturday's Rugby World Cup final victory over Australia.

Wilkinson was seeking advice on how best to handle the attention on his arrival back in England, and publicity-savvy Beckham tried to give some wise words.

But Beckham had to admit that his new friend, who flew out of Sydney in newly-named British Airways jet 'Sweet Chariot' on Monday, would be unable to escape from the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

"I think Johnny has inspired everyone around the country," said Beckham.

"It's great - if someone works at his game and practices hard, he deserves all that he gets.

"He is a great talent and it's going to be crazy for him - we talked about that.

"He's on cloud nine and it hasn't sunk in for him yet. He hasn't seen much of what has been going on in England and they'll be surprised with the welcome they get in London."

Wilkinson is being touted for a knighthood in the Queen's New Year's honours list after his goal-kicking exploits at the World Cup.

Wilkinson landed the drop goal in the last minute of extra-time which gave England a 20-17 victory over the hosts at Sydney's Telstra Stadium to complete a match haul of 15 points.

Beckham is all too aware of the burden of expectation which comes with performing at the highest level, and he was always confident that 24-year-old Wilkinson would fulfil his promise, particularly given the levels of support he has around him.

"It can get too much and that's where his family and those around him come in. He's got a lot of strength there and he's a very down to earth person," added Beckham.

With Wilkinson now enjoying the same level of fame Beckham has lived with for the past five years, it will be good for the England captain to have someone to compare notes with.

"It's nice to have a friend in a similar position and it's going to be amazing for him," said Beckham.

"It's nice to talk to someone who has seen the heights their team can achieve and I hope we can do that in the football.

"We struck up a friendship after recording the advert and have talked a lot since then.

"The best thing was Jonny's face when that kick went over."