England's hopes of hosting the World Cup in 2018 received a significant and timely boost last night when Pele, one of the most respected and influential figures in the game, offered his backing to any bid by the Football Association.

Pele said: "I would love to see the World Cup held here in England again. It has been a long time since the last one here in 1966. This is a good opportunity for England. You must fight for what you want to happen. Of course, it is a big question, but why not?

"It will be a tough fight, but all of England wants the World Cup to come back. It was a long time ago when I played in it here in England, but England is the capital of football and it would be fantastic if it came back here."

Pele, however, admitted England's chances might be hampered by the fact that European neighbours Germany hosted the tournament only last year, adding:

"When you consider 32 countries are involved, then it is very complicated, while England is very close to Germany, where the competition was last year. It could be too close, that could be the problem."