Telegraph interview on England's 2018 World Cup bid

Today's Daily Telegraph features an interview with me on the subject of England's 2018 World Cup bid.

The piece also covers some of the other issues close to my heart, as well as a light-hearted inquiry into my choice of tailor!

The article can be read in full by clicking here.

Don't believe the doubters

Despite the negative press reports and scare stories about crime and safety issues that have been prominent in the European media I found South Africa more than ready to host next year’s big event.

The superb stadiums are almost finished and arrangements are being made to improve transport where possible, but it is a big country that is still developing, poverty is the biggest issue facing the nation, so to expect an infrastructure such as the one we saw in Germany would be foolish.

On a personal level, I think it will be the warmth of the South African people that will make this World Cup so special.

The country is special for me; I’ve followed its fortunes since the days of apartheid to the freeing of Nelson Mandela. The World Cup will provide the platform for it to showcase its unique qualities to the world.

Inspiration in South Africa

I’ve just returned from a busy but inspiring week in South Africa, starting with a visit to the Soccerex convention in Johannesburg, which brings together some of the leading football brands and what you might call “movers and shakers” in the game.

One of the most fascinating sessions was Sepp Blatter's keynote talk, which included what could be best described as an interesting perspective on Thierry Henry and the France handball incident, and more positively an impassioned reasoning of why it had been so important to take the World Cup to Africa.

I moved on to Cape Town in the middle of the week where I helped to launch ‘Offside’, an exhibition looking at the role South African footballers have played in the British game, against the social and cultural background in both countries.

This is a joint venture between the British Council and the District 6 Museum in Cape Town, and Kick It Out, and the Sheffield-based FURD in the UK.

It is an exciting project that will tell us so much about our histories through the mirror of football.

As luck would have it, England were drawn to play their second game of the tournament in Cape Town, against Algeria. Having now been there twice I can tell you that England fans will be in for a treat, it’s a beautiful city with a spirit amongst the people that is unmatched.

Looking at the draw, it was a good one for England. The USA are a strong, well organised team and it would be foolish to write off Slovenia and Algeria, but like most people I am confident England will do well and progress to the next round.

On the 2018 bid front, it was a great week. The team were busy at both Soccerex and the draw and the presence of David Beckham led to some crazy local coverage and by all accounts many positive meetings with the people who will be doing the voting next December – the FIFA Executive Committee members.

There’s still lots to do, many more hurdles to overcome but to me things look good.

2018 bid can showcase diversity

Welcome back to my blog. I haven’t posted for while but will do my best to keep this updated regularly through the coming months, come rain or shine.

I’ve recently been appointed as a Board Director of the England 2018 World Cup bid to ensure the diverse communities of England are at the heart of the work being done to present our country.

The bid has been dominating the sports news agenda for some time now, the media focus has been on disunity and negative statements but I know that our bid sets out a compelling argument for the World Cup to be in England in 2018.

England has a passion for the game reflected in our history; some of the best stadiums in the world, world class transport and accommodation infrastructure, and a multi-cultural society that will make visiting fans feel welcome no matter which part of the globe they’ve travelled from.

It is also an opportunity for a worldwide event taking place on our doorstep to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity of all members of society. When people talk about leaving a lasting legacy, these things are important to me.

You can register your personal support for the bid at england2018bid.com As a Board member I want to be as open as possible and so if you have any doubts I’ll be happy to answer them, email me at paul-elliott@hotmail.com

The host cities for the bid are being decided tomorrow (Thursday) and when you look through who is taking part you see a list of cities that balance heritage and modernity, with football a passionate part of their culture.

I’ll be at Wembley to be part of the process, if your city is in with a shout the decisions are announced on December 16th, good luck!