Former FA Chairman Geoff Thompson has been named as the new leader of the England 2018 World Cup bid after former head man Lord Triesman stood down over the weekend.

Thompson, who is also vice president of FIFA, has been backed by 2005 Olympic bid mastermind Sebastian Coe to repair the damage done by Triesman’s comments over the past week.

Coe said: “It has been traumatic but it does not become a bad bid overnight. Solid foundations are in place: we have the best venues, the most passionate fans, the best market for sponsors and an unparalleled ability to deliver this tournament in safe and secure surroundings. The only thing we don’t have is the private views of the former chairman.”

Coe, along with 2018 chief executive Andy Anson and the other board members, will continue talking to Sepp Blatter and the rest of FIFA about the circumstances of Triesman’s removal. It is expected that a delegation from the bid team will go to Zurich at some point this week to speak to Blatter in person.

Russian bid chief Alexey Sorokin responded by describing the allegations as “absurd” and urged Fifa to “take appropriate measures” ahead of the decision on who will host the showpiece event, which is expected to be made in December.