Derby are crossing their fingers that their campaign to become a 2018 host city has done enough when the England bid team declares their chosen venues on December 16th.

The city’s team submitted their 522 page submission with the FA after spending seven months researching and compiling their proposal to help host the global tournament.

Former Derby player Archie Gemmill, said: “I’m pretty sure Derby will be picked. It would be great for Derby fans to see world class football. Everything about its bid is first class, the infrastructure it offers, its stadium, transport, everything is just right.”

A key requirement of the chosen cities is that they will contain a stadium with a capacity of at least 40,000 by the time 2018 arrives. Talks between Derby County and the city council are currently ongoing over plans to expand Pride Park to the required number of seats.

Richard Williams, Derby assistant director of regeneration, said: “The FA will check to make sure each one of the required elements is completed within the bid and ask cities to provide anything that is still missing. It is aware we do not yet have a stadium agreement and the council and the club are working flat out to complete this. A number of other cities are having similar issues and we have promised to get back to the Football Association within the next two weeks.”

Frank McArdle, of Derbyshire FA, added: “We have an excellent bid. and you can see all the effort and professionalism that has gone into it. My understanding is that Derby’s bid is very much up there in the selection process so I just wish it every success.”