ENGLAND’s hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup have ended after Russia was chosen to hold the tournament.
The nation’s bid, which was headed by prime minister David Cameron, Prince William and David Beckham, was seen as giving England a strong chance to host the tournament for the first time since 1966.
But FIFA president Sepp Blatter announced this afternoon that rivals Russia had been chosen ahead of England and joint bids by Spain/Portugal and Netherlands/Belgium. It is believed that England were defeated in the first round of voting.
Ipswich Town had been in the frame to become a training base for a competing nation, as part of Milton Keynes’ package as a host venue, if England’s bid was successful.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here