The FA’s new Chief Executive held the first major press briefing of his tenure yesterday and outlined the challenges ahead in what could prove a tumultuous year for English football.

There is Lord Burns’ structural review to consider, the opening of the new Wembley Stadium in May and the prospect of a World Cup jamboree at the end of the season.

But Barwick won’t be resting on his laurels after that. There is also the possibility of an attempt to match the success of the London Olympic bid by going for a World Cup Finals in England, too.

He said: "I think we would do it further down the line. There have been discussions over a coffee but that’s all because it’s proper for the London Olympic success to take precedence at the minute.

"But the next time the World Cup will pass through Europe is 2018 and why wouldn’t we go for it?"

In the meantime, however, Barwick has plenty else on his mind in what he describes as a hugely important year for The FA.

He said: "I see 2006 as a big year for the FA. Hopefully we do qualify for the World Cup and give it a real go for a start.

"The World Cup galvanises the nation, it pulls the country together unlike almost anything else.

"So that and the opening of Wembley, these are significant moments in English football history. To be at the helm during this period is part of the huge up-side of the job.

"If England won the World Cup next year I would be only the second chief executive of the FA to do it, and that is special."

Barwick acknowledges there is a lot of work to be done before England can even qualify for next year’s finals, but he believes if everything goes well then Sven’s men have a real chance to create history.

He said: "We are up for it. I think we’ve made progress as a footballing nation over recent years and that is recognised throughout the world of football. I do think therefore we are going into a World Cup where we can be expected to do well.

"What we also know is that if and when we qualify we will go into that World Cup properly prepared with a very, very good set of players, with a proper organisation behind Sven to give England a really big chance. I think we’re one of the teams that can win it."