England's 2018 bid hopes are lifted by Australia's withdrawal

England midfielder Beckham and former South Africa and Leeds United defender Lucas Radebe added star quality to the exhibition at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg, and the bid team will spend the rest of the tournament lobbying hard to make England's case.

It is understood that very little mention was made of the Lord Triesman affair by any of the FIFA delegates to bid officials.

Triesman resigned as bid chairman after he was recorded in private conversation relaying allegations concerning claims that another 2018 bidder, Russia, planned to bribe World Cup officials in Spain's favour with Spain-Portugal dropping their joint bid in return - allegations which have been comprehensively dismissed by a FIFA investigation.

The 2018 bid team believe the controversy is in the past and are focusing on a renewed effort with Sheffield's Geoff Thompson at the helm.

Australia have withdrawn from the 2018 race a day after Asian Football Confederation president Mohammed Bin Hammam suggested Asian bidders should step aside from 2018 and concentrate on bidding for 2022, leaving one rival fewer in England's path.

It is thought that Australia's decision could pave the way for unofficial deals to be struck, with the United States – the last non-European in the race – one nation who could benefit from standing aside for 2018 in return for European support in 2022.