Capello backs English 2018 World Cup bid

England coach Fabio Capello has thrown his support behind the country’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup by declaring it is time for football “to come home”.

England are one of 11 countries who lodged bids with FIFA to host the tournament before Monday’s deadline for submissions.

They have been installed as early favourites by the bookmakers but officials involved in the bid admitted earlier this week that they face tough competition from the likes of Spain and Portugal, who have lodged a joint bid, and Russia.

The competition has not been held in England since 1966 and Capello now believes the time is right for the competition to return to England’s shores.

“I think England would be a fantastic place for the World Cup,” the Italian told Sky Sports News.

“The stadia are OK, the people are fantastic as well so I think it needs to come back here after so many years.

“I hope this will be in 2018 because England is the place where football was born.

“I think England needs football to come back home.”

The details of the actual bidding process will not be revealed until February 16 but FIFA have already decided a country will not be considered for 2022 if their continent is hosting 2018.

The countries who have submitted bids are: England, Spain/Portugal, Russia, Holland/Belgium, USA, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Qatar, South Korea and Indonesia.