|
|
World Cup 2010 Exclusive: David Beckham Says Cultural Diversity Gives England The Edge For 2018 Bid
England superstar talks up chances of football coming home…
04-Dec-2009 8:56:03 PM
David Beckham believes England's culturally diverse population can help the nation win the rights to host the World Cup in 2018.
Speaking to Goal.com UK today, the England midfielder and bid ambassador said having people from all over the world living in Britain was a 'big strength'.
"There's not many countries that could match us for diversity. The diversity of our culture is a big strength for us," he said.
"Say Brazil play, we could fill a stadium with Brazilian fans that live in our country."
The 34-year-old midfielder also said he hoped that 2018 could lead to the regeneration of economically deprived areas of the country, much like the 2012 Olympic Games is expected do for east London.
"I hope there will be regeneration," he said. "Being an East End lad, to have the Olympics there and kind of change the whole look of the East End of London is special.
"Getting big competitions like this creates jobs, opportunity and excitement.
"For me to be involved in something this big is special. As an East End boy growing up I could never have dreamed that I would be here."
England are one of nine nations bidding to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, in addition to Australia, Russia, the USA, Japan, Mexico, Indonesia, plus joint bids by Portugal & Spain and Netherlands & Belgium.
Being arguably the most famous footballer on the planet, Beckham has joined the 2018 team to add some much needed stardust to the bid, which has suffered from internal feuding and PR setbacks.
Beckham said England would be ready to host the World Cup 'next week' – but added that he expects strong competition from the rival bidders.
He said: "We are lucky to have one of the best leagues in the world.
"If we were to be given the World Cup next week, we would be ready. We have the stadiums, the facilities and the hotels. But we are not arrogant. We respect the other bids and are aware of the chance that there are other countries that could get it."
"For me the World Cup is the biggest sporting occasion in the world. I have to believe and hope our country can get it. If I can do anything to help us get it to our country then I will.
"Of course, a strong showing at the 2010 World Cup would boost the bid.
"But we have many other things going for us," Beckham concluded.
Amar Singh, Goal.com UK in Cape Town
Inside Goal.Com
-
Cartoon: Rio Ferdinand may have the last laugh
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
Euro 1996 Legends: Matthias Sammer, Germany
The heir to Franz Beckenbaur's throne, Sammer's excellent displays as sweeper for Germany led them to their third European title...
-
Euro 2012 Trivia: Which team has the fewest combined caps among them?
Which is the least experienced team in Euro 2012? Time to test your knowledge, mate
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation