England stars join 2018 World Cup bid team
Baku, November 26 (AZERTAC). Five former England internationals are to bolster the 2018 World Cup bid team in Zurich next week as the battle to secure votes continues.
Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Andy Cole and John Barnes join a 30-man party that is led by Football Association president Prince William.
Prime Minister David Cameron, England boss Fabio Capello and ex-captain David Beckham are also in the delegation.
The final vote is due to take place in Zurich on Thursday 2 December.
England chief executive Andy Anson stated: "We have said throughout the process that this bid has the backing of the whole country and the nature of this line-up confirms that point.
"Next week is clearly critical because it is our last chance to convince the Fifa executive committee members who are voting that England should be their choice for 2018.
"We will be campaigning and working right up to the very last minute and the strength and support we have within this travelling party gives us the best possible chance to deliver our message, strongly and passionately for one final time."
England 2018 legacy ambassadors Kadra Ege, who is the founder of Brent Ladies FC, and Eddie Afekafe, who works in the Manchester City `Football in the Community` programme, will also be in Zurich to focus attention on England`s international legacy plans.
England face competition from Russia and joint bids from Spain-Portugal and Netherlands-Belgium to host the 2018 World Cup.
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