Beckenbauer backs England for World Cup 2018
Saturday, 25 Oct 2008 15:07
Beckenbauer says England's bid will have a good chance to succeed
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer has backed England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Beckenbauer won the trophy as a player and a manager and is now a member of Fifa's executive committee.
England are hoping to bid for the chance to host the tournament in 2018, though Fifa may also choose to hold the ballot for the 2022 tournament at the same time.
Due to the confusion over this matter the deadline for potential bidders has now been put back until December. However, Beckenbauer claims England will have a good chance when the process finally begins.
He said: "England will have a great chance for 2018 because if it is going to come to Europe, which is my feeling for how it will go, then England will be in a very strong position."
Beckenbauer says the existing infrastructure in terms of transport links and stadium facilities that already exist in England give it a head start over other countries.
He added that the return to winning ways on the pitch, having missed out on Euro 2008, would also not do any harm.
Beckenbauer said: "They have the best club football, the best infrastructure, and they have the fans.
"The national team did not perform so well when they failed to make Euro 2008 but they are back on track now under Fabio Capello in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, and that is important."
England are hoping for a dual bidding process as it would mean the USA would probably aim for the 2022 tournament rather than rival England's bid to stage it in 2018.