England's rugby champions have won effusive praise from Jacques Chirac, who said their defeat of Australia was "a victory for Europe."

"Rarely have I witnessed a match so engaging and of such intensity," the French president wrote in a congratulatory message to Tony Blair.

Chirac praised the "coolness and intelligence" of fly half Jonny Wilkinson, whose last-minute dropped goal secured England's 20-17 extra-time win over the defending champions.

"This deserved victory is also a victory for Europe. Thanks to the extraordinary talent of the English players, the World Cup is coming to the northern hemisphere for the first time. All lovers of rugby in France and in Europe share the joy of the English fans," the French president wrote.

He said he watched the "brilliant" match "with great pleasure" and he asked Blair to pass on his "sincere congratulations" to the English squad.

"The experience of its pack, the coolness and intelligence of its fly half and of its backs allowed this magnificent team to make the difference against an Australian one that never conceded defeat," Chirac wrote.

England reached Saturday's final in Sydney by beating France 24-7.

The Prime Minister, Tony Blair, later sent his congratulations to the England team.

Mr Blair, who watched the game at Chequers, said: "This was a fantastic day for English rugby and for England. The team can be proud of their performance, their spirit and above all their character.

"It was a victory they worked for and the whole country can be proud of them.

"It has been a great competition in which all the home countries have performed with distinction."