Various countries were put into certain categories according to competence or facilities... but this does not constitute a ranking

Fifa spokesman

A Fifa spokesman said: "As you probably know Fifa conducted an inspection visit of each of the five bidding countries and looked at various things, such as stadia, infrastructure, telecommunications etc and compiled a report for the executive committee.

"Various countries were put into certain categories according to competence or facilities... but this does not constitute a ranking.

"There's no ranking that says England are third choice or that Germany are second choice and South Africa first choice."

England's 2006 campaign chief Alec McGivan told the BBC had said they were "very angry".

"It is one thing to praise those bids, and we accept that. But to suggest that England, after investing so much in the development of grounds, is not as ready as other two is amazing. We will take it up with Fifa," he said.

The report, which could prove to be the fatal blow for England's World Cup hopes has been sent to Fifa's 24 executive committee members ahead of the selection vote in Zurich on 6 July.

I don't know what is behind this, but it does not fill me with great confidence

Alec McGivan

It is the attack on what was perceived to be England's strongest card which makes the report so damaging to any hope of winning the vote to host the tournament.

But Mr McGivan said: "I don't think Fifa's executive will take too much notice of this (report). They have been to our great stadiums and told us they are the best they have seen anywhere."

Despite these optimistic words, McGivan confessed to misgivings about the selection process saying: "I don't know what is behind this, but it does not fill me with great confidence.

"We know the president of Fifa is backing South Africa, and that does not help. Here is a man overseeing the bidding process, and he is partial to one of the candidates."

McGivan admitted, however, that the bad behaviour of England's fans at Euro 2000 had also damaged the bid's prospects.