England will bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals, the Football Association has confirmed.
The FA bid to stage the tournament in 2006 but lost out as Germany won the right to host the finals.
England are expected to face stiff opposition, with Belgium, Netherlands, China, Australia, Mexico and the United States also reported to be considering making a bid to stage the finals.
FA chairman Geoff Thompson said: “I’m delighted to announce our intention to bid to host the World Cup in 2018.
“This follows Fifa’s announcement on Monday that the previous rotation policy will be discontinued, and the positive comments made by Fifa president Sepp Blatter.
“The tremendous support from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his government has also been a key consideration in today’s decision.
“I’m delighted the FA board have been so positive in their support for a bid. It would be tremendous for English football and the whole country if we are successful.”
FA chief executive Brian Barwick added: “This is a great moment for all of us who love the game in this country. The excitement and expectation from the public to a prospective bid has been incredible.
“It is very clear that the English football public want to see the World Cup back in this country.”
England have hosted the World Cup once before in 1966, winning the tournament that year by beating West Germany 4-2 in the final after extra time.
