David Beckham revives England’s flagging bid for 2018 World Cup

David Beckham has rescued England’s damaged bid to host the 2018 World Cup with a spectacular round of diplomacy that has charmed some of football’s most important figures.

The Beckham charisma even wiped out memories of a new video outlining why England should win — which was immediately branded dull by critics — as the midfield player swept into an exhibition set up yesterday to allow the ten bidding nations to show themselves off to media, sponsors and members of Fifa’s executive committee, who will vote next December on which country will host the 2018 finals.

He attracted not just a phalanx of photographers but even had staff from rival bids running to the England stand to catch a glimpse of the man who has become the undoubted cornerstone of his nation’s campaign. The bid has been seen as lacklustre and was criticised by Jack Warner, the Fifa vice-president, for lacking in star quality.

Even Warner succumbed to the charms of football’s most famous face. Beckham threw himself into a round of meetings before the draw for the 2010 World Cup in Cape Town, even handing out autographed England shirts, which he brought to South Africa on his own initiative, to Fifa executive members. They and their wives have clamoured to get his signature and have their photographs taken with him. Keep reading

Beckham Launches WC 2010 Ball & Talks About England

It’s what grandad would’ve wanted: David Beckham puts grief aside in South Africa

He was left heartbroken by the loss of his beloved grandfather. But David Beckham put his family tragedy aside as he met children at an HIV clinic in South Africa this week.

Despite his personal sorrow, the soccer idol still had his best smile for the youngsters, pregnant ladies and new mums at the centre in Cape Town.

He was there in his role as UNICEF ambassador while visiting the nation to lead England’s 2018 World Cup bid, and assist with the current World Cup draw. [...]

“If I had decided to go back home I know what he would have said to me, which I can’t repeat,” says the 34-year-old. “He was a strong East End person.”

“Grandad would have shouted at me for leaving this because he was passionate about his country.

“He fought for his country and I know how proud he was of me.”

The dad-of-three, who has vowed to attend the London funeral, added: “Of course any family thing like this is tough.”

“My grandad was not well for quite a few months but it’s something that, when it happens, nothing can prepare you for it.” Source

David Beckham Warned of World Cup Failure

DAVID Beckham was warned by Luis Figo, his former Real Madrid team-mate, that England’s 2018 World Cup bid is doomed to failure.

Figo came face to face with his old friend at the bidding countries’ expo here while he was trumpeting the joint campaign for Portugal and Spain. The 10 countries who want to host the tournament in 2018 or 2022 made video presentations to the media, and afterwards former World Player of the Year Figo insisted England and Beckham would end up disappointed.

“I will be up against David and I am going to beat him for 2018,” said Figo. “These things happen in life and it is a pleasure to see him again. It is a different situation from the sort we are used to and I just hope I can be happier when the decision comes than him.”

England’s was the weakest of the four-minute videos replayed on a big screen in front of a media throng. It did not even carry an image of Beckham.

A decision on the hosts will be made in Zurich on December 2 next year. Source

Victoria and David Beckham share Christmas with Gordon Ramsay

DAVID and Victoria Beckham will be spending Christmas just like most of us – slaving to get the turkey on the table.

But the Beckhams are bound to have it a bit easier with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay joining the festivities with his wife Tana and their brood.

It won’t be the first time the British families paired up to enjoy Christmas and it seems this time it’s David’s turn to host the meal at his Hertfordshire home.

And it’ll be a noisy day with the Beckham’s three children Brooklyn, 10, Romeo, seven, and Cruz, four, joined by the legion of Ramsay children – Megan, 11, twins Jack and Holly, nine, and Matilda, seven.

Gordon’s already bracing himself for the event, which he’s sure is “going to be pandemonium”.

He said: “Whether it’s Victoria doing the roast or David carving the turkey or Tana making the sauce or me doing the Christmas pudding, we’ll all be helping each other.” Source

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