FIFA president Sepp Blatter has admitted that England's World Cup bid for the 2018 tournament is a very good one.

In the past, Blatter has been critical of the English Premier League but believes that the current bid to host the world's biggest sporting event is strong.

"I must be neutral but England is a very good contender for 2018. It has a very strong bid," said Blatter.

"As long as we have individual candidates that can organise the World Cup alone, this should be the principle.

"I have nothing against England. But we have a problem with the concentration of the best players in the world in The Premier League.

"As president of Fifa, I have to look at the game globally.

"The clubs must have a local, regional and national association. If you look at the big leagues, especially in England, there is no national identity in the clubs. That is wrong.

"I like England - and English football.

"It is said I don't like The Premier League because of its global influence. But The Premier League is absolutely exceptional.

"The Premier League is the best organised league and the best marketed league in the world. It is very attractive and as a football fan I am very happy.

"I don't know if it is English football - but it is football played in England."