Arsene Wenger is being targeted for a lead ambassador role amongst the England 2018 bid team to inject fresh impetus into the nation’s World Cup bid.

The bid directors have been considering a high profile name to boost the bid after the Russian and Spain/Portugal campaigns have gathered pace in recent weeks. However, the team are worried about how a foreign figure would be perceived as the face of the bid even if it went down well abroad.

One source said: “Wenger’s name was suggested by one board member and it is being considered, but other members worry about how it might look. It should be a no-brainer. Wenger has changed the face of English football and is almost an honorary Englishman these days. He is also hugely respected around the world. Having him fronting it would make a lot of sense.”

The Frenchman is popular in Asia having managed in Japan and is also close to UEFA President Michel Platini who is one of the 24 voters England need to get on board. Following criticism from CONCACAF president Jack Warner, it is clear that England need to start winning over the high profile figures on the voting panel as soon as possible.

After the recent upheavel amongst the England camp, it has left the bid without a charismatic face. It is believed Wenger could be that face without interfering with his work at Arsenal, though he would need persuading. It could be why Triesman has hired the former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein as an adviser to the bid.