Beckham to deliver England bid book

Beckham has been a key part of the bid (GETTY IMAGES)

David Beckham will deliver England's bid book to FIFA president Sepp Blatter this week, it was announced today.

Beckham, England's most-capped outfield player, will lead England 2018's delegation to FIFA's headquarters in Zurich on Friday.

Football Association and bid chairman Lord Triesman said: "It's fantastic news that David's schedule has enabled him to present and head our bid in Zurich.

"It is entirely appropriate that he does so as our bid is about football and the passion for it in our country.

"Nobody represents that better than David. He is a fantastic footballer and a global role model."

Beckham, who last met Blatter in Cape Town before the World Cup draw in December, is expected to play an even bigger role in the bid after his ruptured Achilles tendon ended his hopes of playing in next month's finals.

The bid book is the document outlining the technical details and vision of each candidate campaigning to host the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

Each country must present these to FIFA on Friday, with technical inspections due between July and September, and the final vote by FIFA's executive committee on December 2.

It is expected that 2018 will go to Europe - where Russia, plus joint bids by Spain/Portugal and Holland/Belgium, are up against England.

The other countries expected to fight it out for 2022 are Australia, USA, Qatar, Korea and Japan.