Brian Barwick has hailed the "phenomenal" support he hopes has consigned English fans' hooligan reputation to the history books.

The Football Association chief executive, who has returned from Germany following England's World Cup quarter-final exit at the hands of Portugal, is amazed at the level of support the national team have enjoyed this summer.

He also apologised that the team were unable to reward the supporters with a second world title.

"When we reflect on the World Cup of 2006 in years to come, one of the abiding memories will be the phenomenal support of the England fans who travelled to Germany in such huge numbers," Barwick said.

"Their vibrant, passionate, colourful and committed support made a massive contribution to each England game and indeed, I believe, to the tournament as a whole."

Barwick's praise follows that from the World Cup Organising Committee (OC), who labelled England fans as the best in the world following a largely trouble-free tournament.

"Wherever I went in Germany, people were expressing their delight with the behaviour of the England fans and with sheer astonishment at the number who were in the cities when England played their matches," Barwick added.

"There were up to 80,000 in each city, far more than for any other visiting team. This is all the more remarkable given the limited ticket allocation afforded us. They provided a unique level of support.

"Inside the stadiums themselves, the fans sang their hearts out making each match, as in Portugal two years ago, feel like a home game for England. All the players commented on how much of a boost it was for them to hear that volume of support."

Germany 2006 is the third major tournament in a row England fans have received praise for their improved behaviour.

Disgraceful scenes at France '98 and Euro 2000 forced the authorities to act, and the banning orders which have been issued to known trouble-makers appear to have had a real effect.

"We have come a heck of a long way from the days when England supporters were solely associated with violence and hooliganism," Barwick said.

"In the last three tournaments, our fans have made a really positive contribution and, this time around, in simply incredible numbers.

"A couple of isolated incidents, involving small numbers of people, should not detract from the hugely positive role our fans played in making this World Cup such a vibrant and colourful competition.

"Credit must go firstly to the fans themselves for working so hard to change that image.

"With support from The FA and the Government, they've been holding a series of fans' initiatives, setting out to build relationships with the German people - who reciprocated so kindly - and with supporters of other teams.

"They've made it clear that the tiny minority who want to cause trouble are not welcome. Isn't it also refreshing to hear opponents' national anthems so perfectly observed?

"We all desperately wanted to bring that trophy home to reward the supporters. I am sorry we were not able to do that.

"However, the fans should be so proud of the contribution they've made to this World Cup."