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April 24 – England 2018 have announced British Airways as an official partner of their bid for the World Cup.
An Airbus in special football livery will fly England’s bid book to Zurich, home of FIFA, on May 14.
Bid ambassador Gary Lineker is confident England 2018 can land the showpiece event – and believes Wayne Rooney, who will then be 32, could still be playing for his country then alongside the likes of Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere.
The former England striker said: “The future is looking very bright for English football.
“The current under-21 squad boasts seven first-team regulars from the Premier League already.
“That crop of players will be looking to step up over the next four years to cement their places come 2018.
“Jack Wilshere is one of these – he has impressed for Arsenal in the Premier League and is a gifted footballer already touted as a future star.
“Likewise, Birmingham goalkeeper Joe Hart, who will be 30 years old in 2018, will be in his prime as a goalkeeper and likely to be the England number one choice.
“Only time will tell who will cut it at the top level, but if they keep performing as they are now, Chelsea’s Daniel Sturridge and Aston Villa’s Nathan Delfouneso are two of our most promising talents up front.
“I also wouldn’t be surprised to see some of our current players in the squad – Wayne Rooney, James Milner and Theo Walcott should still be strong contenders.”
Andy Anson, England 2018 chief executive, said British Airways would help cover the cost of travelling around the globe to push the bid.
He said: “We are committed to travelling around the world and meeting with influential figures in the game to discuss the ways in which England could stage a tournament that would be good for global football.
“British Airways’ extensive worldwide network will help us do that and we look forward to working with them.”
British Airways is already a Tier One sponsor of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.
Willie Walsh, British Airways chief executive, said: “We look forward to playing our part in backing the bid.”