By IANS
London : England is preparing a bid for the 2018 World Cup, if FIFA scraps its policy of rotating the tournament between different continents.
Football's governing body is believed to be considering changing the rules, meaning European countries would be free to bid for the 2018 finals.
With Germany staging the 2006 World Cup, talk of two tournaments passing before it can return to the continent has raised hope of football returning home in 11 years' time.
The 2010 World Cup will be played in South Africa, the first time the mega event is being staged in the African continent, and Brazil is all set to host the 2014 edition after emerging as the lone bidder from South America.
England have not staged the quadrennial football event since 1966 and World Cup ambassador Richard Caborn would welcome the chance to bid for the 2018 tournament.
"If confirmed, this could well clear the way for a government-supported Football Association bid for the 2018 World Cup early in the new year," Caborn told the Daily Telegraph.
"Competition is bound to be fierce. However, the experience gained in London's successful 2012 Olympic bid will be put to good use.
"The government looks forward to teaming up once again with the sporting leaders to ensure that a World Cup bid is given the best possible chance of success."