L.A. Galaxy midfielder David Beckham confirmed his interest in working as the ambassador for England’s 2018 World Cup bid. The 32-year-old has yet to officially discuss the role with England’s Football Association, but the BBC understands that the organizing board wants him and that Beckham would be happy to oblige. After all, the former England captain represented London’s successful 2012 bid for the summer Olympics — perhaps the FA views him as some kind of good luck charm.
Beckham is certainly England’s most recognizable face. And from a marketing standpoint (his specialty, of course), many feel there could be no better man to represent England. The last time the event was hosted in the country was 1966, which England won, of course, beating West Germany 4-2 in the final. England last bid to host the 2006 World Cup but lost out to Germany.
There’s a strong possibility that Beckham and England would be bidding against the United States for the 2018 tournament. The U.S. is understood to be very keen on host the event again, as is neighbor Mexico. First-time bidders Australia, China, Russia and Belgium and the Netherlands have also declared their interest. Bids must be submitted by 2009; FIFA will make its decision in October 2011.