England step up 2018 World Cup bid

England’s bid to win the 2018 World Cup moves into top gear in Zurich next week.

The battle to secure votes ahead of the final decision on December 2 sees five former England internationals – Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and John Barnes – join a 30-man party, led by Football Association president Prince William.

Prime Minister David Cameron, England boss Fabio Capello and ex-captain David Beckham are also in the delegation.

England chief executive Andy Anson said: “We have said throughout the process that this bid has the backing of the whole country and the nature of this line-up confirms that point.”

“Next week is clearly critical because it is our last chance to convince the Fifa executive committee members who are voting that England should be their choice for 2018.”

“We will be campaigning and working right up to the very last minute and the strength and support we have within this travelling party gives us the best possible chance to deliver our message, strongly and passionately for one final time.”

England face competition from Russia and joint bids from Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium to host the 2018 competition.

Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal’s joint bid has been backed by South America’s Conmebol federation.

“The 10 countries are agreed to give the vote to Spain,” said Conmebol’s general secretary Eduardo Deluca.

That translates into three votes for the Spain-Portugal bid with Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina represented on Fifa’s executive group.

Conmebol had been expected to vote for Spain-Portugal rather than England.

The Conmebol meeting, held in the Paraguayan capital of Asuncion, did not discuss which country it will support for the 2022 finals