German football legend Franz Beckenbauer has boosted England’s World Cup bid, claiming they have everything needed to host the tournament already in place.
Beckenbauer believes the 2018 World Cup should go to Europe, with the 2010 competition being in South Africa and South America getting their turn when Brazil host in 2014.
Although Germany hosted the tournament in 2006 Beckenbauer believes Europe should host again in 2018, with Australia being a good option for 2022.
"It’s (the decision) too far away, it’s more than one year to go," Beckenbauer told Australia’s Sun-Herald: "[But] It will be Europe’s turn [in 2018].
"As a Uefa member, I would like to see it in Europe but it is an open race as to which country might get it."
The bidding for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments are taking place simultaneously.
Aside from England’s bid there are three other bids from Europe. Russia have registered their interest, while there are joint bids from Spain and Portugal and Netherlands and Belgium.
However, of those countries Beckenbauer thinks it is England who are currently best-placed to host the tournament.
"England could host it tomorrow because they have the stadiums, the infrastructure, the fans, everything," said the World Cup winner.
"But there are a lot of other different countries bidding. Let’s wait and see."
Along with the teams from Europe, Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Qatar, Mexico, South Korea and the United States are also bidding to host the games.
Of those countries Beckenbauer believes Australia have a strong case to be given the chance to host in 2022.
He added: "I think they have a good chance because the World Cup’s never been to Australia.
"Australia’s a beautiful country, a beautiful continent."
The decision of which countries will host both tournaments will be made in December 2010.
Sun, Jul 5, 2009
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