England reaction Clive Woodward last night expressed the hope that his entire World Cup-winning squad would be available for selection when England launch their Six Nations Championship campaign in February.

England's first Test match as world champions is against Italy in Rome on February 15th.

But speculation has already started that international retirements could be looming, with skipper Martin Johnson, 114 times-capped prop Jason Leonard and scrum-half Kyran Bracken all rumoured contenders.

And as England prepared for their victorious journey home, with the Webb Ellis Trophy packed safely in their luggage, head coach Woodward entered into what is bound to become a hot topic of debate.

"I don't think that the team will necessarily break up, but life does move on," Woodward said.

"We take it all in our stride, and the biggest thing to me is that this current England team is not just going to be a blip - we have got to keep the momentum going.

"All 30 of these players have got a huge role to play in the future, and I hope that all 30 of them, plus Graham Rowntree, Austin Healey and Danny Grewcock, will be available for selection in February for the Six Nations.

"They have played outstandingly well, and you don't want to break a team up.

"I have just asked them all to go home, and not make any rash decisions over the next couple of months and see how they feel in January or February.

"I said to the players (before the tournament) that if I even read about any player saying he was going to retire at the World Cup or immediately afterwards, then I didn't want him to come on the trip.

"It wasn't Saga tours, it wasn't time for a farewell party or big dramatic statements, and I am not expecting that to happen," he added.

"All I've asked the players to do is to go back and play for their clubs, enjoy Christmas and New Year, and we'll be starting for the Six Nations at the end of January.

"That's the time to make a decision, if anyone is thinking that way. Don't do it in the immediate aftermath of this.

"I am hoping that all 30 players are going to be there, and I hope Martin Johnson will be there to lead the team out against Italy on February 15th. If he's not, then that is going to be his decision, which I will support."

Woodward offered unstinting admiration for his players, who at last ended Southern Hemisphere dominance of the World Cup after wins by New Zealand (1987), Australia (1991), South Africa (1995) and Australia again (1999).

"I think these guys are superstars anyway, in my opinion," he said.

"I always felt that the way the game would rocket would be to create superstars, highly paid, and that's the way you create huge interest in the game. The players have to take it in their stride, but I know these guys really well.

"It is a great team - we had a saying that it was going from good to great - and they have always been a very good team. I think that they proved it against all adversity last night.

"Every decision seemed to go against them, and yet they still won, and that is the sign of a champion team.

"They are a great bunch of players with a great captain, and I am just very, very proud and privileged to be in charge of them.

"I don't think any of us really understands what has happened, to a large degree.

"We've won a game of rugby, but the thing I keep thinking about were the scenes at the end - the crowd - that will live with me forever. It was unbelievable.

"It doesn't matter how you win those games, you have just got to win them, and I am very, very pleased for everyone concerned.

"The goal for the next World Cup (France 2007) has got to be England arriving as favourites to win the tournament.

"If you arrive as favourites, then you know your preparation has been good."