World Cup 2010 - FIFA full of praise for England bid

But the visitors highlighted one concern: accommodation.

The six-man team, led by Chilean FA president Harold Mayne-Nicholls, praised England's readiness to host the tournament, the level of government support, world-class stadiums, the passion for the game in the country, the social projects of clubs and the involvement of youth.

And Mayne-Nicholls told England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson that several aspects of the bid were "perfect".

But the team added that the England bid must prove the required level of accommodation is present ahead of the decision on who will host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, which will be voted on by FIFA's executive committee in Zurich on December 2.

Mayne-Nicholls said: "All the needs and objectives of our visit were met and we are positive that the World Cup in England in 2018 or 2022 would be a great experience with a long-lasting legacy for the country and its people as well as for football worldwide.

"The concept you are coming up with that every single participating team will be hosted by a domestic professional team makes perfect sense to us.

"It will guarantee that all the teams will be able to practise in perfect conditions.

"Concerning public transportation and event facilities, there seems to be no problem in hosting an event of such scope.

"This also counts for safety and security matters. One thing FIFA are particularly focused on is accommodation as we need a very high number of quality rooms.

"This is why we ask all bidders for a certain number of contracted hotel rooms.

"We trust that you will be able to fulfil the necessary requirements."

Mayne-Nicholls also described the warm welcome the his inspection team received across the nation.

He added: "They have organised the visit in a perfect way, with great professionalism, but also with a sense of friendship and hospitality."

Anson thanked Mayne-Nicholls for the report and claimed that the questions raised will help improve the bid further.

"Your questions and observations have been hugely helpful in identifying areas where we need to focus," he said.

Anson insisted England has the experience and credentials required for hosting events of the World Cup's magnitude and vowed to deliver "the greatest possible FIFA World Cup here in 2018" in partnership with FIFA, for the benefit of the global population.

He added: "We will guarantee that FIFA and global football will see a legacy that will last for generations which benefits millions of people worldwide in each of FIFA's 208 member associations.

"Everything we've said this week leads to this focus on a global legacy.

"It explains why we believe that it will truly be a FIFA World Cup for the world."
 

Source: eurosport.co.uk