Fifa president Sepp Blatter believes England is a “very good contender” to host the 2018 World Cup, and has stated he is not against English football.
Blatter has been critical of The Premier League in the past due to its proliferation of foreign stars, but despite that he has highlighted England’s bid for football’s ultimate competition as being “very strong”.
And Blatter also says that single bids such as England’s will be considered above joint applications, with all bids for the 2018 tournament due to be handed in on Monday.
"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. Double no."
Blatter continued: "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."