Has Johansson forgiven England's vote switch?

With the remaining votes around the globe split between the rival charms of South Africa, Brazil and Morocco - each of them enjoying their own local support - the need to secure more than Scotland's vote from the eight on offer in Europe is fundamental.

But while the recent behaviour of England's dubiously-titled football fans has undoubtedly upset many on the continent, McGivan could be forgiven for thinking Europe had made its mind up to back Germany's bid a long time ago.

Ever since England announced its 2006 World Cup intentions in 1997, the FA has run into opposition from Germany, whose bid dates back to 1993, and Lennart Johansson, the president of Uefa, Europe's governing body.

The Germans have always been aggrieved by England's decision to split the European vote, as they said it ran counter to a gentleman's agreement brokered by former FA chairman Sir Bert Millichip and the German FA.

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According to the Germans, there was an understanding that they would back England for Euro 96 and England would return the favour for the World Cup in 2006.

Having annoyed the Germans, the English FA, which has always denied the existence of any deal, upset Johansson by switching its vote at the eleventh hour to his chief rival Sepp Blatter in the 1998 vote for a new Fifa president.

Blatter duly won and much to England's consternation immediately threw his weight behind South Africa's bid. And despite numerous contractions, that is exactly where his none too tacit support has remained.

Despite this high-level political opposition, there was a feeling of optimism within the FA that the technical merits of England's bid - the unmatched quality of the country's stadia in particular - were beginning to win over wavering voters around the world.

Foul play?

This optimism has now been shattered by a series of controversial blows.

First, there was the decision to move the vote for the World Cup from March to 6 July.

Many observers felt this was done at Germany's behest in the expectation that English fans would misbehave at Euro 2000 - a case of giving England enough rope to hang itself.

McGivan: Has it all been in vain?

Then, after hundreds of England supporters obliged those expecting violence, Uefa threatened to send England home from the tournament - a move which resulted in black headlines all over the world.

Finally, what appeared to be official criticism of England's playing performances appeared on the Uefa website shortly after the team's exit.

Uefa apologised soon after, saying the piece was a journalist's opinion which had been published in error and not official comment, but by this stage the FA could be forgiven for thinking the World Cup debate was not going their way.

While Friday's revelations about England's apparently second-rate facilities may lead some to draw 'conspiracy theory' conclusions, one thing is clear.

It now, more than ever, seems very unlikely England will host the 2006 World Cup.