England 'favourites' to host 2018 World Cup following Fifa arrests

Speculation that Russia and Qatar could be stripped of the right to host the World Cup has led to odds being issued on who could replace them

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England are the 11/10 favourites to host the 2018 World Cup amid speculation that Russia and Qatar could be stripped of hosting rights.

The arrest of senior Fifa officials in Switzerland today has led to renewed calls that the controversial bidding process for the next two instalments of the international football tournament be re-run.

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There is no suggestion at this stage that the World Cups will switch hands with Fifa's director of communications Walter de Gregorio stating today that "the World Cups in 2018 and 2022 will be played in Russia and Qatar". However, a separate investigation is being launched into the allocation of the tournaments.

Should new hosts be found for the next World Cup, which takes place in three years time, England would be the favourites to host it.

Odds issued by Paddy Power make England the 11/10 favourites to host the 2018 World Cup is Russia are stripped of the rights. Portugal & Spain are the second favourites at 5/4 and Belgium & Netherlands are third at 9/2.

With regards to the 2022 tournament, which is currently due to be held in Qatar, the United States are the 5/4 favourites with Paddy Power. Australia are the second favourites, followed by South Korea and then Japan.

Ladbrokes' latest odds suggest Qatar remain 1/6 to host the tournament. They also place the United States as favourites followed by Australia. They make England the joint fourth favourites to host the 2022 tournament should Qatar be stripped of hosting rights.

England last hosted the World Cup in 1966.