Anson believes hard work needed

May 20, 2009

Andy Anson is the chief executive for England’s 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids but has called for hard work and humility in their attempt to be awarded the tournament.

“We cannot be arrogant or complacent. This campaign has to be about working hard,”

“One of the things we learned from the last World Cup bid was we were perceived to be arrogant around the world in how we presented ourselves.

“The tone of this campaign has to be different. We will certainly not be saying that football is coming home. It was an arrogant slogan.”

Everyone is fully behind the England bid with Lord Triesman, chairman of the FA saying:

We in England would be truly honoured to host the World Cup and welcome the world.

“We have first-class grounds. We’ve got good transport links, domestically and internationally. We’ve got excellent accommodation. England would be truly honoured to host the tournament.”

He added: “A World Cup in England would be a truly memorable event - not only for our nation but for every nation.

“We’d extend a wonderful welcome to players and fans from across the world.

“Inside and outside our grounds, we’d share with them our love of the game and our sense of fair play.

“And they would enjoy our diverse culture - one that means England would provide a home-from-home welcome for every fan and player.

“We believe that England can stage a fantastic festival of football, one that will engage the whole country and deliver positive change for football in England and across the world.

“Now we must persuade our international friends and colleagues of our case. That’s easy to say, far less easy to do.

“Our starting point is England’s passion for football. It is our national sport, we have a strong football heritage which runs through every town and city.”

Lord Triesman, who is the bid chairman, stressed the impact a World Cup would have on the population and the economy.

“The positive effect of hosting the World Cup will be felt right through England,” he said.

“It will be the pride, the prestige, excitement of hosting, giving the whole population the opportunity to experience world-class football on their doorstep.

“There will be economic benefits across the whole country and there will be the inspiration it will give to grass-roots football, creating a new generation of home-grown talent.

“What could be more inspiring than the dream of England winning the Fifa World Cup on home soil, and fuelling the passion for football that we knows burns in hearts and pitches the length and breadth of this country?”

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