Beckham goes global to save England 2018 bid

Tuesday, 9 November 2010 23:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

David Beckham will fly around the world in an attempt to rescue England’s embattled bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

England bid “not in the running”

Deep pessimism has set in that England will finish a poor third behind Russia and Spain/Portugal as a backlash against investigations into alleged FIFA corruption by the English media. But Beckham, the most famous face in global football, has pledged his availability to attend the final presentation in Zurich just hours before the votes are taken.

ESPNsoccernet has been informed that Beckham will take on a gruelling round the world itinerary to appear in person in Switzerland, first flying from LA to Australia for a one-match post-season tour with the Galaxy before flying back to London for one day to meet up with the FA delegation, and then onto Zurich.

The FA is calling up all the big guns to gather alongside Beckham for a last attempt to turn around a vote that appears to be going against them.

Prime Minister David Cameron and FA president Prince William will join Beckham in Zurich to present their final case.

The 2018 bid committee told ESPNsoccernet that they are unable to announce the full delegation team for the crucial final presentation on December 2, but an insider said: “Yes, I can confirm that David Beckham will be in Zurich, and the FA are calling up all the big guns, such as the Prime Minister, and Prince William is also expected to be there.”