James Bond star backs England’s 2018 World Cup bid

James Bond star Daniel Craig became the two millionth supporter of England’s bid to hold the 2018 World Cup

The “Back the Bid” campaign, which was launched by former England captains David Beckham  and Gary Lineker at Wembley last year, has seen a plethora of stars lend their support to bring the competition back to the UK for the first time since 1966.

McLaren duo Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton were two of the first celebrities to register their support and were quickly followed by the likes of funnyman James Corden, musicians Sting, Noel Gallagher and Robbie Williams and entertainers Ant and Dec.

Football fans from more than 100 countries have also registered their support over the past 15 months.

England most unusual bid backer was revealed last week as Weymouth-born Paul the Octopus, the international star of the South Africa 2010 World Cup, became an official ambassador.

The passing of the two million mark was reached almost 100 days ahead of schedule and the milestone represents a significant landmark for the Bid.

Supermarket chain Morrisons has secured more than one and a half million signatures thanks to a campaign led by former England captain Alan Shearer while BT has created a virtual England 2018 flag with photos and signatures of thousands of fans.

The World Cup Bid was officially launched in May last year with support from all three major political parties.

England is one of five competitors bidding to host the 2018 tournament and one of eight bidding to host the 2022 tournament. The decision for both tournaments will be announced in Zurich in December.
Source: Press Association