England considers bid for 2018 World Cup
(Reuters)
Updated: 2005-11-16 10:27

FIFA would most likely make a decision on the 2018 finals in 2012. England has hosted the World Cup once before, in 1966, when Bobby Moore captained the home team to victory.

ONCE BEFORE

Prime Minister Tony Blair said recently he would be open to a World Cup bid following Britain's success in winning the right to host the 2012 Olympic Games.

"If you think you have a shot at these things then have a go, that's my attitude," he said. "We did the Olympics -- I frankly didn't think we would win when we started, but we did.

"It'll be painful getting there (2012) but when we do it, it will be the greatest event this country has seen. I wouldn't push them to do it (bid for the World Cup), but if they want to, then why not?"

Brian Barwick, the FA's chief executive, noted in September that the prospect of England hosting the 2018 World Cup had been welcomed by FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

"Obviously, a World Cup in this country would be a fantastic occasion and every English football fan would love to see the world's best players gracing our stadia," he said.

"But at this stage the deadline for a 2018 bid is still several years away."

England last put a bid together for the 2006 World Cup. Its chances of success were hurt by political infighting with European governing body UEFA who gave their backing to Germany.

The last major soccer championship to take place in England was the European championship in 1996.