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Anfield: May host 2018 World Cup

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Steven Gerrard, Rafa Benitez and Phil Neville are all delighted by the decision to name Liverpool as a host city if England win their 2018 World Cup bid.

The bid's deputy chairman Lord Mawhinney made his announcement on Wednesday afternoon and included the city in a 12-strong list of successful candidates.

Liverpool's participation had been brought into question in the weeks running up to the announcement as debates continue to rage over the future of Anfield, but Mawhinney revealed the stadium would still be a suitable venue if the proposed new project at Stanley Park was not completed.

Liverpool captain Gerrard said: "Liverpool is such an historic footballing city so I'm not surprised we've been chosen.

"I'm 100 per cent behind England's bid and I'd love to see World Cup games played here."

Liverpool manager Benitez echoed his captain's sentiments and said: "It's great news. This city lives and breathes football and if England are successful it will be a fantastic stage for World Cup games."

Everton pulled out of their own bid as, like Liverpool, they are also struggling to find a new site away from Goodison Park, but Toffees captain Neville admits the news will boost the entire city.

He said: "Liverpool is a great city and any tournament in this country would be unthinkable.

"Let's hope England now wins the bid."

Delight in Manchester

Down the M62 in Manchester the news that both Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium had also got the green light was met with similar happiness on both sides of the city.

Manchester United chief executive David Gill said: "It is great news that Old Trafford is part of England's bid.

"It is the most historic of all the venues, celebrating its centenary in February 2010, and has hosted some major games in recent years like the Champions League final in 2003 and England World Cup qualifiers.

"I am confident that its inclusion makes England's exceptional bid even stronger."

Manchester City chief executive Garry Cook admitted it was a mouth-watering prospect to be able to host such a tournament at the 2002 Commonwealth Games venue.

He said: "This is fantastic news for the city. Manchester has two truly world-class stadiums which would be fitting stages.

"Everybody at Manchester City - players, staff and supporters, will be incredibly excited at the prospect of hosting games here and we will be keeping our fingers crossed that the English bid is successful."

FIFA will make their final decision as to which city will host both the 2018 event on 2nd December 2010.