Sponsored by
Black Cats back England World Cup bid
SUNDERLAND players have shown their backing for England's World Cup bid on a global stage.
The Black Cats showed their support for England's campaign to host the 2018 tournament by warming up in special T-shirts bearing the slogan 'England United, The World Invited'.
They sported the kit ahead of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Sunday, which was televised across the world.
Roberto Mancini's visiting side also gave their backing to the campaign.
A giant flag graced the centre circle at the Stadium of Light prior to kick-off as the city continued its support of England's 2018 campaign.
Sunderland's England striker Darren Bent said: "I believe England could host a fantastic World Cup in 2018.
"The fans in this country, and especially in the North East, are second-to-none.
"Their passion and enthusiasm for football is unbelievable – it's a way of life for most people.
"I'm lucky enough to have represented my country at the top level and there is no greater feeling.
"I know that the whole country would be truly honoured to host the greatest sporting event in the world."
Sunderland – along with Newcastle – was named as one of the potential host cities in England's bid to host the World Cup at the end of last year.
The game's global governing body Fifa will announce in December which countries have won the right to stage the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
Business bosses believe bringing the World Cup back to the home of football could boost the country's economy by more than 3bn.
And fans can still play their part – the FA wants to show Fifa just how keen England is to play host to the biggest sporting event in the world.
Supporters can back the bid by texting 'ENGLAND' to 62018, visiting the official website www.england2018bid.com, joining the official Facebook site www.facebook.com/england2018, or by following the bid on Twitter at www.twitter.com/england2018bid.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
