Fergie - 2018 would inspire

United boss throws weight behind England's World Cup bid

Last updated: 24th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Fergie - 2018 would inspire

Ferguson: Backing bid

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Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has thrown his full weight behind England's bid for the 2018 World Cup prior to meeting the Fifa inspectors.

The six-man Fifa team are currently in England to assess the country's suitability to host the showpiece.

Ferguson is set to join United and England legend Sir Bobby Charlton in guiding the inspectors around Old Trafford - one of the main venues for the bid - when they visit Manchester on Wednesday.

Speaking before their arrival, the Scot believes England would relish hosting the tournament they last staged back in 1966.

The United boss said: "The facilities for both players and fans are magnificent, from training grounds to stadia and the passion of the English people for the game would ensure that everybody would be made to feel welcome.

Memorable occasion

"It would be a memorable occasion and would inspire people all over the world."

The Fifa team headed to the North East by helicopter on Tuesday after a day of presentations and venue visits in London.

Representatives from all the host cities, including London mayor Boris Johnson, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis and Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow were involved.

The Fifa team were also given presentations on hotels, transport and security before going on a boat journey along the Thames, after which they visited the O2 arena, the proposed venue for the final draw for the 32 countries who qualify for the tournament.

After heading to the North East, a presentation on training camps is due to be given at Middlesbrough's training ground on Tuesday evening.

There will than be visits to the Stadium of Light and St James' Park on Wednesday before the inspectors fly to Manchester where Howard Webb, this year's World Cup final referee, will meet them at the City of Manchester Stadium.

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