Chelsea's Germany midfielder Michael Ballack has joined England's 2018 World Cup bid team.

Ballack will stand alongside England skipper John Terry, Robinho, Michael Essien and a host of other Barclays Premier League players, as well as David Beckham and former heroes like Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa - not to mention members of the England women's team and representatives of the England disabled teams.

Ballack, capped 97 times by Germany, said he has fallen for the English game during his time with Chelsea, who he joined in 2006.

"The atmosphere and competitive nature of English football has been a great experience, playing with and against the best players in the world," he said. "England would be a fitting host for the 2018 World Cup."