London Mayor Boris Johnson is to front a new “crack team” of high profile figures to help England and London’s bid for the 2018 World Cup.

Johnson, who was appointed Mayor in 2008, accepted the position of head of London United and will work alongside figures such as Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis, Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy and Wembley stadium managing director Roger Maslin.

Johnson said:”I am delighted that London is included as part of England’s bid to host the World Cup in 2018. But we’re not taking anything for granted, we really want to bring the tournament to the capital. We have brought together a crack new team to build on the first stage of the bid and get that first goal in the back of the net.”

Lord Triesman said: “We are delighted that the Mayor has decided to chair London United. It demonstrates that the bid has political support at the highest level and that London is fully committed to bringing the World Cup to England.”

Four London stadia are to be included in the final submission to Fifa this May: Wembley, Arsenal FC Emirates and either Tottenham Hostpur FC, New White Hart Lane Stadium or the Olympic Stadium. Whilst Wembley and the Emirates are certain to stage matches in the event of a victory, the Olympic stadium and the new Spurs ground will battle it out to be the third London venue.