Fifa inspector positive on 2018 bid
Fifa's inspectors have broadly praised England's 2018 World Cup bid at the conclusion of a four-day visit.
The Fifa delegation were complimentary about transport, stadiums, security and the passion for football, raising only one question mark over accommodation.
Fifa team leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls said: "A World Cup in England in 2018 or 2022 would be a great experience with a long-lasting legacy."
The hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be revealed on 2 December.
Russia is expected to be England's biggest rival for the 2018 prize, with Spain/Portugal, the United States and Qatar also among the candidates.
The six-man Fifa team's visit included trips to a number of the proposed 2018 venues, including Wembley, Elland Road, St James' Park and Sunderland's Stadium of Light.
On Wednesday, the delegation were given a guided tour of Old Trafford by Manchester United legends Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson.
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The quality of the pitches was absolutely world class, so was the line-up of celebrities we had the chance to meet
Fifa team leader Harold Mayne-Nicholls
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With Prime Minister David Cameron excused duties because of the birth of his daughter, the Fifa team also held meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, London mayor Boris Johnson and England manager Fabio Capello.
"Nick Clegg said that football is the glue that brings the country together," said Mayne-Nicholls, president of the Chilean football federation. "This commitment and passion we have seen in all the cities we have visited.
"The quality of the pitches was absolutely world class, so was the line-up of celebrities we had the chance to meet."
Mayne-Nicholls also praised plans to have each World Cup squad hosted by one of England's professional clubs.
But while he was largely complimentary about the infrastructure England already has in place, he suggested there was still room for improvement in the domain of accommodation.
"Concerning public transportation and event facilities, there seems to be no problem in hosting an event of such scope," he said.
"This also counts for safety and security matters. One thing Fifa are particularly focused on is accommodation as we need a very high number of quality rooms.
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"This is why we ask all bidders for a certain number of contracted hotel rooms. We trust that you will be able to fulfil the necessary requirements."
England 2018 bid chief executive Andy Anson vowed that the issues arising from the visit would be addressed.
"Your questions and observations have been hugely helpful in identifying areas where we need to focus, and rest assured, we will answer every question diligently, respectfully and in full with a guarantee of delivery to you before your end-of-September deadline."
The inspection team's trip followed a visit to Russia, in which they expressed concern over their ability to get everything ready on time.
With trips to 2022 hopefuls Japan, South Korea and Australia completed, Fifa will next look at the facilities of the joint Spain-Portugal bid and then the United States and Qatar in September.
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