MANCHESTER, England, August 25, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Punters have supported England's 2018 World Cup Bid with their wallets and the 1966 World Champions are now 4/5 favourites to host the tournament.

FIFA officials are currently in England inspecting stadiums and transport facilities and the punters obviously believe the delegation have been impressed.

Betfred spokesman Mark Pearson,

"Punters are only backing one bid and that's England's so we've had to cut the price after a string of bets. Let's hope the punters are right that football is finally coming home."

Second in the betting is Russia at 5/2 and Mark Pearson believes it may be wrong to right off their bid.

"Russia have got to be a threat to England's 2018 World Cup bid because FIFA President Sepp Blatter likes to make big statements and taking the tournament to Russia for the first time would be a big statement."

European and World Cup winners Spain have joined forces with their Iberian neighbours Portugal and are 4/1 in the betting but it is thought FIFA is not in favour of joint bids.

The winning bid will be revealed by FIFA's executive committee on December 2nd.

    
    To Host World Cup 2018

    England                  4/5
    Russia                   5/2
    Portugal and Spain       4/1
    Belgium and Holland     11/1
    USA  20/1

Contact: Mark Pearson, mark.pearson@betfred.com