England could be given two bites of the cherry as they seek to host the World Cup and be allowed to bid for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments at the same time.

FIFA's executive committee are due to decide on the ground rules for bidding later this week and are likely to agree that both tournaments should be voted on at the same time.

In a new development, under a proposal being put to FIFA's rulers, should a bidder for 2018 be unsuccessful then they would be able to enter the vote for 2022 to be held immediately afterwards - but so long as the 2018 hosts are not from the same continent.

It would mean that should England lose out to a non-European country for 2018 then they would be able throw their hat into the ring for 2022.

A source close to the world governing body said the move is to be put to FIFA's rulers in Tokyo later this week.

If agreed it would intensify the competition for 2018. Already, England, Spain, Holland/Belgium and Australia have announced they are bidding - and the chance to bid for both tournaments could persuade the likes of the USA and China to enter the race.

Both of those would be powerful rivals, especially if the European vote is split.

It would also increase the chances of Australia becoming World Cup hosts if they lose out to a European country for 2018.

The D-Day for the bids will come in December 2010 when FIFA's 24-man executive committee will vote on the hosts.

Only South American and African countries are not allowed to enter the contest as their continents will have hosted the World Cup in 2010 (South Africa) and 2014 (Brazil).

England's World Cup bid chiefs say they will not issue any response until the bidding rules are confirmed in Tokyo.

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman, who is also the head of England's World Cup bid, will be in Japan this week where FIFA's Club World Cup - involving Manchester United - is taking place.

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