22 Dec 2008Prince William to head up England's World Cup 2018 bid

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Prince William will spearhead England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, Football Association (FA) chairman Lord Triesman revealed today (December 22nd).

Current England international David Beckham and ex-Three Lions star John Barnes have already been recruited as vice-presidents of the bidding team.

However, Triesman has confirmed that the Prince - who is president of the FA - will back the bid and could form an "extraordinary" double act with Beckham.

He said: "Fifa guys meet very famous footballers all the time - it is not a surprise to them. The footballers have to bring something else.

"Beckham does and another person does in that generation - Prince William."

Triesman also added that he believes that the bid will "truly bring together" the FA and the Premier League, who have been at loggerheads this season over the Respect campaign and youth development in England.

Prince William is thought to be a keen follower of the Premier League and has previously stated his allegiances to Aston Villa.

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