THE WORLD GONE MAD

England's hopes of staging a future World Cup have "little chance" of becoming flag-waving, party-hosting reality according to sources within Fifa, the governing body of the global game who decree where the quadrennial spectacular takes place. Backed by Whitehall, the FA have excitedly scribbled 2018 into their diaries for an English World Cup, but such optimism appears misplaced.

The problem is neither the clogged travel system, nor expensive hotel rooms - the usual gripes about an English bid, such as the failed attempt to win the rights for 2006. The stadiums are not the obstacle either.

Sadly, where England's 2018 World Cup campaign struggles is the area around the grounds, according to Fifa sources. Unlike England, Germany were able to provide the huge tracts of adjoining space that Fifa require to satisfy the ravenous demands of the corporate and media worlds.

For a billion financial reasons, Fifa dance to television and commerce's tune. A tented village for the media? No room. A corporate Camelot? No chance. Parking? Move along please. There is not enough room to swing a cat around English grounds, let alone a prawn sandwich. Of the stadiums likely to be included in an FA bid for 2018, probably only Wembley, Old Trafford and, at a push, Eastlands, match Fifa's requirements.

The hinterland to Germany's World Cup stadia was staggering: row upon row of white marquees, each housing a separate sponsor. Fifa are also aware the corporate and media beasts are hardly going to shrink.