Spurs’ Peter Crouch and Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere unite to back England’s 2018 World Cup bid

Club rivals Peter Crouch and Jack Wilshere come together to boost the 2018 World Cup bid and prove it really is a case of England United.

The north London stars set aside their differences to show their support for bringing the glory of the World Cup to England.

Today (Wednesday), it is exactly 50 days until FIFA announce who will host the tournament after Brazil in 2014.

And even Manchester United’s Rio Ferdinand admitted the Red Devils have put aside their derby differences to support the bid.

He said: “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.”

The England star added: “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.

“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 that will watch it and be inspired to play the game.

“And 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.

“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.”

The host nation is announced on 2 December in Zurich, when the 24 FIFA Executive Committee members cast their votes.

You can help Back The Bid by visiting www.england2018bid.com, or texting ‘ENGLAND’ to 62018.

And Football United - England 2018’s global fund -today announced they will aim to match FIFA’s current annual investment in grassroots football and social development.

The proposed fund is the centrepiece of England 2018’s legacy plans in its bid for the FIFA World Cup.

In a video message to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, David Beckham said: ““Football has been my life. I am incredibly proud of what I have achieved - but what gives me most pride is the work I can do to help young people that’s why I founded the David Beckham Academy.

“I am inspired by what England promises to do. I hope you will be too. Football United, imagine the type of change we could create together.”

Football Foundation Chief Executive Paul Thorogood added: “Having invested over £670 million in grassroots football facilities and community projects in this country over the past decade, we know how effective football can be as a tool to help tackle major social issues. This is an exciting opportunity.”