David Cameron will hope the Downing Street reception will sway Sepp Blatter

Sepp Blatter arrives in UK to appraise World Cup bid

Sepp Blatter arrives in UK to appraise World Cup bid

By Peter Wozniak

David Cameron has hosted a visit of Fifa representatives in a bid to secure support for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The prime minister will lay out the Downing Street red carpet for Sepp Blatter and his cohorts, as the bid organisers attempt to show off the prospects under the tagline of “England United”.

“Football is our national game,” the prime minister said.

“It’s the glue that binds the country together. It unites people from all backgrounds, all ages, all walks of life.

“I hope you see just how passionate England is about this bid and how much of an honour it would be if we were chosen to host the World Cup.”

The event was also spearheaded by the sports secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has frequently referred to the promotion of a British “decade of sport” including both the World Cup and the 2012 Olympics.