New-found confidence can help England's 2018 World Cup bid

Tessa Jowell believes a sense of “national self-confidence” that has sprung from London’s 2012 Olympic victory could help an England bid for the 2018 World Cup.

The Football Association have confirmed they are pushing ahead with exploratory talks about a bid for the tournament – but have denied a report they will launch a ‘dry run’ for the 2014.