Former Chelsea defender Paul Elliott will head up an 11 strong inclusivity advisory group that has been created in support of England’s 2018 World Cup bid.

The group’s creation is a challenge towards international football attitudes such as racial abuse towards black players in the game.

Bid chairman Lord David Triesman said the group had been formed “to provide the passion and diversity that guarantees a genuine welcome to visitors from across the world.”

Triesman also added: “This advisory group should ensure we maximise all the attributes we have at our disposal, and that we are planning a World Cup that embraces and celebrates our diverse communities, and considers their various needs. We are determined to prove that England 2018’s bid is focused on ensuring that all our communities in every part of the country are involved.”

Elliott was already a board member and 2018 ambassador before this appointment. He worked heavily for FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and Kick It Out, the campaign to eradicate racism from football.