November 8 – Former England and Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler (pictured) has laughed off suggestions that he is supporting Australia’s bid to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cup ahead of England.

Fowler, who now plays for North Queensland Fury in the Australian A-League, where he is currently the country’s second top scorer with eight goals in 13 appearances, has been criticised by England supporters for appearing to back his adopted country ahead of his homeland.

The 34-year-old, who also played for Leeds United and Manchester City, said: ”I’ve been told that back home they reckon I consider myself Aussie these days.

“I posed for a photo to help out Australia’s 2018 football World Cup bid, agreeing to hold up a green and gold scarf.

“When I came over here, from the start I have said I will do anything that can help promote the sport in this country and I have kept my word.

“Of course England are a rival to host that year, so it hasn’t gone down well back home.”

But Fowler, who scored 128 goals in 256 appearances, wants to leave it in no doubt where his loyalties lay.

He said: ”Obviously, being English, and with it being in 2018, I’ll probably be back home then, so I would like to see the World Cup there.

“But if England don’t get it I think Australia would deserve it.”