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  Thousands welcome England heroes
Updated 25 November 2003, 09.32
Rugby fans packed roads outside the airport
Thousands of fans have welcomed England's World Cup winning rugby team back to the UK at Heathrow Airport.

The squad looked surprised that so many had got out of bed early to celebrate their return, after the flight touched down at around 4.30am.

Captain Martin Johnson, coach Clive Woodward and Jonny Wilkinson were first off the plane, to huge cheers.

Plans are being worked out for a victory parade through London so even more fans will be able to celebrate.

World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson and Clive Woodard
World Cup winners Jonny Wilkinson, Martin Johnson and Clive Woodard
That might not happen until late next week according to rugby bosses, because it's a difficult thing to organise.

After getting back to the UK the players spoke to some journalists, and Wilkinson was the centre of attention.

But he doesn't want his new fame to change him, saying he wanted to carry on being the same person he was before he left for Australia.

He added: "I'm after a bit of peace and quiet. I want to get back now to be with my family, where I feel totally comfortable and totally myself."

His pal David Beckham isn't sure Wilkinson will be able to keep his quiet life, warning: "It's going to be crazy for him."

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Here's Jonny! How should we celebrate England's win?
opening quoteI think we should now all be allowed to play rugby at school instead of just football. closing quote
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