Tottenham legend Ossie Ardiles has joined England's World Cup bid.

The FA were under fire yesterday for keeping their bid to stage the 2018 finals low-key. Their response was immediate - revealing that Ardiles was heading a group of English-based players who will also act as ambassadors for the bid.

The others are Kolo Toure, Roque Santa Cruz, Kanu, Ricky Villa, Lucas Radebe and Gianfranco Zola.

Ardiles told The Sun: "The FA asked me to be an ambassador for the bid and I'm delighted.

"For me it is a big honour for, although I played for Argentina, a lot of my career was spent here in England and I am delighted to be helping.

"It will not be easy but hopefully it will happen."

Two-time winners Argentina are in danger of missing out on next year's finals in South Africa.

And Ardiles laid the blame squarely at the feet of Argie legend Maradona, the national boss. Ardiles, a member of the triumphant 1978 team, said: "The problem with Argentina at the moment is Maradona.

"A year ago, Argentina was the best team in the world. But that's no longer the case and it is down to the coach. He is a big, big man in Argentina. More than that, a god.

"It looked natural to put him in charge of the national team. Now things have changed."