Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is surprised their is opposition within Australia to their World Cup hosting bid. Rival sports are keen to see the 2018-2022 bid to fall through.

But North Queensland Fury captain Fowler told the Townsville Bulletin: "Sometimes I don't think people quite get the gist of how big it really is.

"For starters, the atmosphere is second to none.

"While club games back home are amazing, whether it's Anfield or Old Trafford, you're really representing that one team.

"At the World Cup the whole country is behind you.

"It's the pinnacle of being a professional footballer, both from a playing perspective and the overall occasion.

"England have so many supporters you are guaranteed that the stadiums will be three-quarters full of them, singing and willing you to do well.

"Obviously there won't be as many Australians behind the Socceroos in South Africa this year, but I'll bet their delegation of tickets will be snapped up and support will be huge.

"You can multiply that by 100 if the country is awarded the finals in the next decade or so. For those people who have said they don't want the Cup here, just watch it and I will guarantee at least a few of those people's opinions will change."