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It is an important week for English football.
England faced another crucial game at Wembley, and we are approaching the final stages of the race to see who will host the 2018 World Cup.
The players feel together with the fans, pulling in one direction – we are England United.
With the help of our incredible supporters we have the chance to win a World Cup this year that would change the game in this country forever.
It is less than 50 days until FIFA announce the host of the 2018 World Cup.
This milestone in the campaign coincides with FIFA President Sepp Blatter visiting Downing Street to meet the Prime Minister, David Cameron.
Football in this country will be truly united to greet President Blatter, with representation from the English FA, Premier League, Football League, the England team and grassroots football.
I am confident this country would host a fantastic World Cup that would be for the good of the game around the world.
We have superb stadiums, amazing training facilities and the infrastructure for visitors to have an unforgettable experience.
Above all, the passion for football at every level is second to none in England.
We want to share that with the world.
We want to open our doors and welcome people from around the globe to a sporting festival like never before.
In the Premier League we have players from all different nationalities and cultures, they come together and make it a very special place to play football.
It would be extra special to have a World Cup here.
I believe it would have a huge impact on England players – both the youngsters who could play in the tournament in eight years, and the kids who will watch it and be inspired to play the game.
We’ve got some talented youngsters, the likes of Josh McEachran, Ross Barkley, Ezekial Fryers and John Bostock, and what a motivation it could be for every young player to have the chance to represent their country at a World Cup on home soil.
The impact would reach far deeper in our game, inspiring people at all levels to get more involved in football, whether that be playing, coaching or watching.
A great deal has already been done around the world to help other nations use football for human, social and sporting development.
Now we want to take this on to another level in partnership with FIFA and use the power of football to change more lives.
Football has the power to create incredible change in communities.
I believe England is in a position to do more for football around the world than anyone else and that is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about the bid.
That’s why the Team England Footballers’ Charity is committed to supporting the England 2018 bid’s international legacy project, Football United.
The project’s aim is to reach a billion people and provide support for an International Centre for Disability Football if our bid is successful.
From everything I have seen and heard, the country is absolutely united behind the bid to host the World Cup.
Everyone in football is together on this.
Rivalries have been put aside and divides have been breached.
When Manchester United come up against Manchester City the players are rivals, but when it comes to the bid we are together.
The same is true of all the traditional derby matches up and down the country.
Huge figures outside of football have also backed the bid, such as Prince William, Daniel Craig, Simon Cowell, Andrew Strauss, Martin Johnson, Lewis Hamilton, Lennox Lewis, Ian Poulter and Sir Steve Redgrave.
They have one simple message: ‘We’re England United, backing the bid to bring the World Cup to England.’
Most importantly, the fans have been at the heart of the bid from the beginning with more than two million people officially signed-up to the Back the Bid campaign.
Fans will continue to play a major part until the host nation is announced on December 2in Zurich, when the 24 FIFA Executive Committee members cast their votes.
As we reach the final weeks of the campaign fans can now take this support on to another level.
We all have a voice and we are all part of one team.
You can join me in backing the bid by visiting www.england2018bid.com, or texting “ENGLAND” to 62018.
As England United our passion for World Cup football will be felt all over the globe.
Rio Ferdinand is the captain of England and Manchester United