FIFA Vice president Jack Warner has admitted that England still has an opportunity to win the 2018 World Cup bid despite the recent controversy surrounding former bid leader Lord Triesman.

The head of the CONCACAF region criticised England’s bid in the early stages but has since supported the nation with remarks to former Prime Minister Gordan Brown last year. However, getting Warner’s support is vital as he effectively controls three of the final 24 votes.

Warner said: “”It was inappropriate but those things are now behind us and I think England’s bid is back on track. The FA did it correctly, getting him to resign immediately, and there was not much damage done. Very few people on the Fifa executive committee are talking about it. England’s chances are as good as the other countries. England has the capacity and the capability to host a successful World Cup but I guess so do the other countries.”

Acting FA Chairman Rob Burden was pleased with Warner’s comments. He said: “Certainly that’s the feedback I’ve been getting from South Africa. I’ve had exchanges of correspondence from my colleagues out there and that’s the news I am receiving from them. Our bid is a strong one.”

With Australia’s recent withdrawel from the 2018 bid, only England, Spain/Portugal, Holland/Belgium, Russia and the USA remain in the race.