Brady remains buoyant about England's 2018 chances

Karren Brady, the West Ham vice-chairman and a member of England's 2018 bid team, is confident that the country's chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup remain strong with two weeks to go before the decision is made.

The English bid has suffered a difficult few weeks, particularly after a row with their Russian rivals. But Brady is not worried that such issues will sway Fifa's decision. "Fifa have to judge the host country based on sporting merits," she said, "and if they base it on sporting merit I know we have run a vigorous campaign."

"Everyone at 2018 is focused solely on our own bid, we're not interested in what other people do."