British Prime Minister Tony Blair promised the government's support of England's bid for the 2006 World Cup when he met the FIFA inspection team in London October 21.

　 The prime minister said:"We have put all this effort and energy into this (bid) because we feel we can offer something to the whole world.

　 "Our stadiums now are in really good shape so we are proud with what we have done and we think we can do it," he added.

　 The meeting, part of the six-day fact-finding trip by FIFA delegates, also included FA officials, England's 1966 World Cup hero Sir Bobby Charlton and the prime minister's special envoy charged with bringing the World Cup to England, Tony Banks.

　 As part of their visit, the FIFA officials will be introduced to celebrity backers of England's bid, including Hollywood star Hugh Grant and singer Chris De Burgh.

　 The six delegates, led by Alan Rothenberg - the man who organised the United States' successful 1994 World Cup - arrived in London on Thursday.

　 They are to visit six of the 15 stadiums included in England's bid - believed to be Old Trafford in Manchester, Derby's Pride Park, Villa Park in Birmingham, Sunderland's Stadium of Light, Liverpool's Anfield and Wembley Stadium.

　 The FIFA team will also scrutinise the technical details of the bid during their visit.

　 Alec McGivan, director of England's bid, said: "The visit of the FIFA inspectorate represents another key milestone in our bid to host the World Cup.

　 "It is an important week for us to show FIFA our facilities and the fact that we are capable of hosting the tournament.

　 "I am very confident of success. We have the best bid and we intend to prove that this week."

　 England is competing with Germany, South Africa and Morocco for the right to host the event in seven years' time.

　 FIFA's 24-member executive committee will base their nomination of the host country of the 2006 championships on the Rothenberg committee's recommendations.

　 A decision is due a week after the Euro 2000 championship final next July. (Xinhua)