Prince William leads England bid

Prince William led England's 2018 World Cup presentation to FIFA on Thursday by telling members: "I love football, we English love football and it would be an honour for us to host the World Cup."The prince, who was applauded by the 22-man executive committee before the presentation also stressed that England were committed to developing football internationally.The presentation opened with Eddie Afekafe, a bid ambassador who works with Manchester City on their community programmes, explaining how football had changed his life, and William built on that, saying: "What Eddie represents is a credit to FIFA because it's your game that transformed his life."He added: "England 2018 and FIFA together have the opportunity to create thousands of more opportunities for people like Eddie."It's a supremely powerful force for binding people together."I love football, we English love football - that's why it would be such an honour for us to host the 2018 World Cup."I also give you an assurance that England is committed to developing football internationally as a member of your football family."William also referred to his forthcoming marriage to Kate Middleton, saying: "We can deliver extraordinary public occasions - I certainly hope as I'm planning quite a big one myself next year."It will be truly a FIFA World Cup for the world."

Source: PA