England strongest contender by far to host 2018 WC despite failed bid: FIFA official

A FIFA official has revealed that despite England's failed bid to host the World Cup in 2018, the nation had been by far the strongest contender, questioning that how could they have got only two votes.

FIFA official Harold Mayne-Nicholls questioned how could England have only got two votes, adding that it was a big surprise.

Mayne-Nicholls, a former Chilean football federation president, was chairman of a FIFA group tasked with assessing the strength and feasibility of the various bids for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Having visited all 11 countries bidding, Mayne-Nicholls concluded that England had the best infrastructure and public involvement, crucial facets of any successful bid.

The bid, however, received just two votes from a possible 22 with Russia winning the right to host the 2018 tournament, while Qatar secured the 2022 Cup.

Mayne-Nicholls said that England were on the top, adding that they had the best concept, the best infrastructure and the people were very much involved.

He also claimed that he was there and saw the faces of Prince William and David Beckham, and they were shocked.

Mayne-Nicholls said that it's like when one is a first division team and they play a third division team and lose by five goals.