2018 World Cup bid president David Dein: England's performance in South Africa will not affect our bid

Former FA vice-chairman praises English supporters' behaviour at World Cup

By Anthony Sciarrino

David Dein (Getty Images)

David Dein (Getty Images)

David Dein, the international president of England’s bid for the 2018 World Cup, is confident that the Three Lions’ disappointing showing in South Africa will not affect their chances of hosting the tournament in eight years.

England were able to get past Slovenia 1-0 in the final group game in order to qualify for the knockout stages, but suffered a 4-1 defeat to Germany in the Round of 16, the worst loss in Three Lions World Cup history.

While it was not the performance that bid team was hoping for, Dein insists that the early elimination will not affect the bid for the 2018 World Cup.

''I would hope not, football is football and you get surprise results and teams underperforming,'' Dein told Sky Sports News.

''It's unfortunate but England's bid is still in decent shape and is hopefully going to get better as the months go on.

''We hope we are building relationships all over the world.''

Dein believes that England have a positive to take away from their time in South Africa, and that was the conduct and behavior of their fans.

''A lot of credit to them, their behaviour has been exemplary and they have been a credit to the country.

''It's only a shame the team didn't do better as that's a disappointment and something that has to be addressed long-term.''

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