World Cup qual. - Capello joins England 2018 bid

Eurosport - Wed, 12 Nov 12:26:00 2008

Fabio Capello will join David Beckham to help England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

2008 England Fabio Capello - 0

The England head coach is one of six new bid vice-presidents announced on Tuesday night.

The others are Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon, former FA chairman Geoff Thompson, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor, Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy and Lord Stern of Brentford, formerly chief economist of the World Bank.

They join Beckham, John Barnes and England women's coach Hope Powell as vice-presidents.

Capello said: "I'm very happy to become a vice-president to the 2018 World Cup bid and I shall do everything I can to help England's cause.

"This is an opportunity to offer England's future players the chance to represent their country in front of their own fans and as national coach I know what an exciting prospect that is.

"My prime responsibility is to build a national team that will compete at the highest level, but if I can also help to strengthen England's claims to stage the World Cup tournament I shall consider it a tremendous honour."

Thompson, currently both a FIFA and UEFA vice-president, said: "As FA chairman, I was part of the decision to make this bid for the 2018 World Cup and there would be a tremendous sense of achievement for everyone involved if we reached our ultimate aim."

Kenyon however has warned the bid could be damaged unless the FA and the Premier League start enjoying a better relationship.

Last month, FA chairman Lord Triesman, who is leading the 2018 campaign, clashed with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore over the level of debt in the top echelons of the game.

Kenyon, speaking in Zurich, said it was vital for a new atmosphere of goodwill to be put in place.

"It's important that both parties speak with a single voice because if we are not careful there are own goals that could be scored which don't have to be," said Kenyon.

Sporting Life / Eurosport

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  1. they know that they are not strong and cannot qualify for fifa world cup thats why they want to host it so they can qualify straight away without having to enter world cup qualifiers and be a disgrace to their country

    From Guang Yan, on Sun 16 Nov 8:14AM

  2. This is a very good sign...i think England team and the country has a bright future regarding Capello's management,,,

    From Mike, on Sun 16 Nov 1:18AM

  3. ha although crouch, harewood and roberts are quality players, i think the fact that Delap has 11 caps for Ireland rules him out. . .

    From danners303, on Wed 12 Nov 2:31PM

  4. everyone read russell t's comment, then sit back and laugh.

    From davidman, on Wed 12 Nov 12:43PM

  5. How about Rory Delap for England, with Peter Crouch Marlon Harewood and Jason Roberts Up front. Thats got to be worth a try!

    From Russell T, on Wed 12 Nov 12:25PM

  6. Best stadiums in the world, best facilities in the world, biggest footballing nation in the world, gave the world the sport!! yet we haven't held the world cup since 1966, its a complete joke, if we don't get in 2018 i will be majorly shocked it can't go anywhre else!! Can it??

    From Richard, on Wed 12 Nov 12:19PM

  7. Woo ITS COMING HOME ITS COMING FOOTBALLS COMING HOME 3 LIONS ON A SHIRT LOL

    From Jake, on Wed 12 Nov 12:10PM
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