Davies, who has had strong links with the Australian Federation since travelling with their party during the 2001 Confederations Cup in Korea, was delighted to see the Socceroos progress, thanks to a nail-biting penalty shootout against Uruguay.

"I was keeping up-to-date with every kick in my office," he explained. "We all felt like honourary Aussies for the day.

"This is such a massive day for football in Australia and it’s one they really deserve.

"We at The FA will never forget how welcome they made us feel originally during the Confederations Cup in 2001 and then again in Germany last year.

"They’ve helped us tremendously in our preparations for the last two World Cups and it’s fantastic that we now know we'll both be there for the next one.

"It’s certainly not impossible that the draw will put England and Australia together but, whoever they play, to have the Australian fans in Germany is going to add another brilliant element to the Finals.

"Australia’s ever-growing influence in football is something of which we are well aware at The FA and their presence at the Finals will mean that it truly will be a global celebration of the game."