England have became clear favourites to host the 2018 World Cup after Fifa president Sepp Blatter backed their bid.
England have became clear favourites to host the 2018 World Cup after Fifa president Sepp Blatter backed their bid.
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Blatter had a day of meetings at Downing Street that included a private lunch with Prime Minister David Cameron.
He said England had overcome nightmare years of stadium disasters and fan trouble to lead the world in safety features.
"The situation is such that your bid has impressed me personally. I will report to the executive committee when they meet before the December 2 decision," The Sun quoted him, as saying.
"England is the motherland of football. England has given so much to football, and England is going on to carry on giving much to football," Blatter said.
"Your predecessors were in a very difficult situation during the years from 1985 to 1989 and so on. I don't want to speak about what happened then, but the reaction you have made. You have given to the world security in the stadiums.
"This is a big legacy, an important legacy you have given to the world. You did it - it's a question of organisation and it is also a question of discipline and respect. You did it here - and now we say where are the hooligans? They are not in the stadiums and this is a compliment to your Government and your predecessors," Blatter added.
He further said that England can organise the World Cup tomorrow.
Blatter was speaking after a bid presentation at No 10 Downing Street attended by England manager Fabio Capello.
England is battling to host the tournament against Russia, the US and joint bids from Holland and Belgium, and Spain and Portugal.
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