FA chairman drops World Cup hint

Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson believes England will be in a “very strong position” to mount a challenge to host the World Cup when the tournament next returns to Europe.

The finals are being held in Germany next year, South Africa in 2010 and South America in 2014 and it is widely expected the 2018 World Cup will be in Europe.

Thompson, who is also a UEFA vice-president, believes with the relationships the FA have developed and the timing of the event, England could mount a successful campaign and bury the memories of the flawed bid for the 2006 World Cup.

He said: “We still have to assess the situation and it will be a decision for whoever is in charge when the time comes to make a bid.

“What I do believe is that when it does come back to Europe again we will be in a very strong position to have an opportunity to make a successful bid.

“I think because of the number of countries taking part in a World Cup finals it’s almost impossible for the smaller countries to be able to host it.

“Therefore I think the big countries in Europe would be the ones that have that opportunity. France had it 1998, Germany has it next year, Italy had it in 1990 and I think our stadia are as good if not better than the vast majority in Europe.

“I also believe our relationships in international circles are now far better than they have been for a very long time.”

The FA did fall out with Sepp Blatter four years ago when then chief executive Adam Crozier was a vocal opponent during the FIFA president’s election campaign but there are signs now that good relations have been restored.

Indeed, Blatter, who is also an IOC member, is thought to have voted for London to host the 2012 Olympics.

Thompson added: “I and my colleagues have had to work hard at building up relationships both within UEFA and FIFA and I think our relationships now are better than they have been for many, many years.”