England hero Jonny Wilkinson will be back in the spotlight on Monday

The prime minister is hosting the event at Downing Street after the squad's victory parade through London.

Tory sport spokeswoman Julie Kirkbride said opposition politicians should have been invited to Monday's celebration.

But Downing Street said the evening was a government reception to honour the team and not a party political event.

Around 120 members of the England squad, their wives, coaching staff and other officials have been invited to the reception, said a spokeswoman.

Achievement

She said "not a lot more" than half a dozen ministers would be attending.

"This is not a party political event," she added. "This is a government reception to mark the achievement of the rugby team and the backroom staff and their coaches and the reception is for them.

"The team and the backroom staff will by far outnumber any representation of the government.

"The numbers representing the government will be quite low."

But Ms Kirkbride said: "This is a national event that should be celebrated by everyone, not turned into a party political stunt by New Labour."

Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Don Foster said: "Downing Street is politicising its reception for the England rugby team.

"The reception should have been a cross-party event, with elected representatives of the people of Britain."

The rugby squad are also due to meet the Queen after parading the William Webb Ellis Trophy through the streets of London to celebrate last month's 20-17 victory over Australia.