Disappointed England fans in London England fans who had gathered to watch the decision were left dismayed

People in English cities which would have hosted World Cup games in 2018 have been expressing their disappointment at the bid's failure.

Fifa chose Russia to host the 2018 tournament and Qatar as host for 2022.

Twelve places across England had been shortlisted as host cities and fans had been looking forward to attending matches in their home country.

Football clubs and local councils hoped for improved stadiums or financial boosts from staging the tournament.

England had planned to stage tournaments in Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Nottingham, Plymouth, Sheffield and Sunderland.

Ex-footballers were among those who expressed their disappointment that the World Cup would not be held in England for the first time since 1966, when England also won the tournament for the only time.
'Difficult to take'

Former Liverpool winger, Ian Callaghan, who was part of England's triumphant 1966 World Cup squad, said: "We had so much to offer.

"We were so geared up for winning we were obviously very disappointed when the result was read out.

"It would have been a fantastic thing for Liverpool, having teams from all over the world play here."
Sepp Blatter of Fifa announces Russia as 2018 World Cup host Russia was announced as the host of the 2018 World Cup by Fifa's Sepp Blatter

Former Manchester City legend Mike Summerbee said: "I am very disappointed. I thought we had turned it round.

"Both the clubs in Manchester and the council had really got behind the bid. It's just very difficult to take."

Paddy Crerand, former Manchester United player, added: "It's a crying shame. England had all the right facilities. I can remember 1966 and it was a very exciting time."

BBC.CO.UK

Well don't worry Geoff, Australia suffered a humiliating result in the 2022 World Cup count, crashing out in the opening round in Zurich after receiving only one vote

The word 'corruption' comes to mind. Much press speculation here about the real reasons England didn't win the 2018 bid, and none of it is about the quality of the bid itself.