England

Prince William Backs England's 2018 World Cup Bid

Bid gets royal backing...

16-Nov-2009 12:03:17 PM

World Cup 2018/2022 Bid Launch - David Beckham and Wayne Rooney (PA)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

World Cup 2018/2022 Bid Launch - David Beckham and Wayne Rooney (PA)

Related Links

Prince William has given his backing for England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, insisting that it will be an "enormous privilege" for the country to act as a stage for the biggest event in football.

The president of the FA explained that given the chance, the nation would turn the occasion into a festival of football, making it an event to remember forever.

"England's love for the game is world renowned," Prince William is quoted in the News of the World as saying.

"Football is in our blood. We're proud of our great cultural diversity. We will offer a warm, home-from-home welcome to all the participating teams and their supporters.

"As a nation, we are united behind the bid. Speaking personally, I am very proud to be supporting it.

"I believe, with England's great passion for the game, we will stage a World Cup to remember forever. A first-class festival of football."

Touching on a personal note, Prince William added that the occasion would allow the English youth to experience the flavour of 1966, when England hosted the event and went on to claim the ultimate prize, becoming the first host nation since Italy in 1934 to win the contest on home soil.

"1966 and football are one in England's psyche and collective memory," he said. "It is the stuff of legend.

"For young people like myself, who were not around to experience the pride and excitement of that time, the opportunity to live it first hand will be an enormous privilege.

"We have the infrastructure and first-class stadiums in every part of the country. England has everything needed to stage a truly memorable festival of football."

Adithya Anath, Goal.com UK

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!