The English FA are shelling out for LA Galaxy star David Beckham to help their World Cup hosting bid. Beckham has emerged as a key figure, to the extent that the cash-strapped bid team will spend £50,000 getting the former England skipper to Cape Town two days ahead of the World Cup draw on December 4 to ensure he is able to meet all the influential movers and shakers in the game.

Triesman explained: "We have committed ourselves not just to ensuring he gets there for the full time slot but also that we can look after his security and arrangements. It is not a question of luxury, just a reflection of the personality that he is.

"The person most people have said they want to meet is David Beckham. We will use him as much as possible because he is such a fantastic ambassador. He loves the sport, he loves the idea England can win this and he believes we can win.

"We cannot forget he is still playing but he is willing to be as generous with his time as his commitments allow. He is very patriotic and we will get a big input from him."