England's bid for the 2018 World Cup has been boosted by praise from FIFA president Sepp Blatter.
Speaking after meeting Prime Minister David Cameron in Downing Street, Blatter credited England for eradicating hooliganism. Blatter delighted England 2018 leaders by saying he was impressed by the bid and by urging other national associations to replicate the all-seater stadiums and lack of fences at the country's top clubs.
Blatter said: "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. 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."
He added: "You have given to the world security in the stadiums. You have built all your stadia, there are no fences and everyone is sitting.
"If only all the national associations in the world, and their leagues [had stadiums like this], we would have more fair play in our game.
"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?"
Blatter watched Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons before going to Number 10 for the presentation and lunch with Cameron, who was unable to meet him on his last visit in August as his wife was having their baby.
Cameron stressed the virtues of England's global legacy plans, which include matching FIFA's estimated £75million annual investment in grassroots football.
Blatter added: "Now England can organise the World Cup, that's not a problem, but what you are doing is a World Cup for the world.
"The situation is such that your bid has impressed me personally. I will report to the executive committee when they meet [at the end of October] before the December 2 decision."
Source: PA
