Government backs England 2018 bid  

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has told FIFA that the Coalition Government is 100 per cent behind England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Mr Clegg welcomed FIFA inspectors to Number 10 at the start of their four-day trip to assess the facilities and stadiums that are part of the England bid. Speaking to members of the delegation, he said he believes the country  has the infrastructure and facilities to host a “fantastic” World Cup. Mr Clegg said: “We want to emphasise to you on the occasion of your visit that the commitments, the declarations, the guarantees provided by the previous Government are ones which we back 100 per cent.” His Sheffield constituency is in one of the areas  hoping to  stage some of the  games. Commenting on the enthusiasm for the bid in the city, the Deputy Prime Minister said: “I know from that city that the excitement and...