2018 Bid delegation announced

Sir Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and England Manager Fabio Capello have been added to a star-studded line-up for England 2018 in Zurich next week at the final week of World Cup bid campaigning.

FA President Prince William, Prime Minister David Cameron and David Beckham have already been confirmed in England’s official 30-strong party which will also include former England internationals Andy Cole and John Barnes. The party also includes figures reflecting the support of the country and the whole of English football.

Secretary of State for Culture, Media, Sport & Olympics Jeremy Hunt and Sports Minister Hugh Robertson will support the Prime Minister in representing the British Government and English football will be further represented by figures from areas across the English game with FA Acting Chairman Roger Burden joined in the party by Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore and Football League Chairman Greg Clarke.

England 2018 Legacy Ambassadors, Kadra Ege and Eddie Afekafe will also be in Zurich to focus attention on England’s global Legacy plans. Both have been prominent throughout the campaign and have delivered presentations on England’s proposal to FIFA President Sepp Blatter and the FIFA Inspection team during their visit in August.

Kadra, who is a recipient of the ‘Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service’, moved to England with her family from Somalia when she was eight and has since represented Chelsea at youth level and set-up the thriving women’s team, Brent Ladies FC which is home to girls from a variety of cultural backgrounds. As a result of Kadra’s dedication, the club recently received a £1 million grant from the Football Foundation for a new playing facility. 

Eddie, from Manchester, works in the Manchester City ‘Football in the Community’ programme leading and motivating young people. He is also involved with the Kickz project, a nationwide initiative which provides opportunities to young people from disadvantaged communities to get involved in sport. He was the recipient of the 2009 Kickz ‘Inspiring Young People Award’.    

England Bid Chief Executive Andy Anson is delighted with the strength of England’s travelling party and said: “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. “

The party includes international footballers who have gained 490 caps between them during their careers. David Beckham leads the way with 115 caps for England followed by Sir Bobby Charlton (106), Gary Lineker (80), John Barnes (79), Alan Shearer (63) and Andy Cole (15). Capello himself represented Italy on 32 occasions as a player.

The England 2018  delegation:

HRH Prince William of Wales - President of The Football Association
Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP - Prime Minister
David Beckham - Vice President, England 2018
Andy Anson - CEO, England 2018
David Dein - International President, England 2018
Eddie Afekafe - Ambassador, England 2018
Lord Seb Coe - Board Member, England 2018
Roger Burden - Acting Chairman, The Football Association
Richard Scudamore - CEO, Premier League
Greg Clarke - Chairman, Football League
Rt. Hon.Jeremy Hunt MP - Secretary of State Culture, Media Sport & Olympics
Paul Elliott - Board Member, England 2018
Lord Brian Mawhinney - Board Member, England 2018
Andy Cole - Football Ambassador
Rt. Hon. Hugh Robertson MP - Minister for Sport
Sir Bobby Charlton - Football Ambassador
Fabio Capello - Manager of the England National Team
John Barnes - Football Ambassador
Alan Shearer - Football Ambassador
Gary Lineker - Football Ambassador
Kadra Ege - Legacy Ambassador
Boris Johnson - The Mayor of London