LA Galaxy star David Beckham is set to rescue England's disastrous 2018 World Cup bid.

The Sun says Beckham is flying to South Africa next week ahead of the World Cup draw to push England's claims to host the tournament in 2018.

And members of the 24-man executive, who will decide England's fate, are queuing up for a private audience with the country's former skipper.

The bid has been beset by problems in recent weeks, the latest being the resignation from the board of Premier League chairman Dave Richards.

But the mood is now one of going forward and concentrating on the positive - and Becks is helping.

A 2018 insider said: "The response from members to a personal meeting with David has been amazing.

"They are very keen to see him and talk about England's plans.

"We have to work on fitting all the meetings in but it's clear David's a very popular figure with FIFA."

When Germany upset the odds to win the 2006 vote, one of the important players in their campaign was Franz Beckenbauer.

He is now on the 24-man committee and one of those expected to have talks with Becks.