England set to host 2018 Soccer World Cup

London, Jan 28 (UNI) England are set to host the soccer World Cup in 2018 after FIFA executive committee member and German legend Franz Beckenbauer asserted that the 1966 champions were the strongest contenders and the perfect country to organise the mega event.

''There is no other choice,'' Beckenbauer told the 'News of the World'.

''I am 100 per cent behind any English bid. England has everything -- the best stadiums, the best crowds, the infrastructure. It's a perfect country to host the World Cup,'' he added as he put his weight behind the English plans to bring the event here.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup followed by South America in 2014. Under the FIFA's rotation system Europe will get its chance in 2018 and Beckenbaeur believes England will have no trouble beating the challenge from Spain to host the event.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair has already backed England's bid and the perennial under-achievers, who have won the tournament just once when they hosted it in 1966, may also get the backing of 2006 hosts Germany.

''The only country I see with an obvious chance is England. Who else can bid from Europe? France have already staged it in 1998 and Italy do not have the infrastructure,'' explained Beckenbauer.

''England competed with us and lost but they always have the confidence,'' he added.

Meanwhile, British Sports Minister Richard Caoborn said he was confident of England winning the bid.

''The reality was there had been a 'deal' to allow Germany to host the World Cup in 2006 and the FA's bid was a waste of time.

This time, we shall have everything in line before any bid is made,'' he said.

''The FA can count on commitment from the government and that is something we shall be impressing upon Sepp Blatter. I am aware of the Treasury's feasibility study on the World Cup and when it is published, it will be a positive step forward towards bringing the World Cup here,'' he added.

UNI