FA confirm Vauxhall sponsorship deal

The Football Association today hailed Vauxhall as the right partner to help take all England's football teams forward after confirming a three-and-a-half-year contract with the car giant.

Vauxhall have filled the void left by Nationwide, who ended their 11-season association with the FA in the wake of England's humiliating World Cup exit.

Today's announcement, which had been widely anticipated for some time, sees Vauxhall become lead partner to the men's senior national team, as well as the remaining 23 representative England sides.

The deal runs until 31 July 2014 - after the next World Cup - and also sees Vauxhall become the official vehicle supplier to the FA.

They are expected to confirm deals with the FAs of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - who also lost Nationwide in July - and are understood to be keen to revive the defunct home internationals tournament.

FA general secretary Alex Horne said: "This announcement represents a major landmark for the FA and the England teams.

"I am looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with Vauxhall in the coming years.

"Through a difficult economic climate, we have concluded a deal of considerable value to the FA and we can now look forward with optimism.

"Everyone is aware of the difficulties of last year, but we have an opportunity to move forward and there is much in 2011 to be excited about.

"Vauxhall are also our Official Youth Partner for 12-18 year olds - a key area of attention at the moment.

"Adrian Bevington, Sir Trevor Brooking and I have been investing a lot of time on our plans for youth development and this partnership will be key to those plans."

Vauxhall managing director Duncan Aldred added: "This is an historic day for Vauxhall. To become the lead partner of the England team is a great honour for us."

England manager Fabio Capello said: "We will do all we can to reward Vauxhall for their support and this begins with our first objective of the new year - to qualify for Euro 2012."

He added: "I remember I was Milan manager. They started with me, the same company, and we won a lot of titles.

"We've got a good team.

"2011 is a very important year.

"I hope for the next games we have to play, the best players will be fit.

"My goal is qualify for the Euros and it will be really important every game that we play."