Zola is a respected figure and the FA hopes he will boost its bid

The Football Association has unveiled a series of high-profile international ambassadors to help boost England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

They include Ivory Coast's Kolo Toure, Nigeria's Nwankwo Kanu, Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz, Italy's Gianfranco Zola and South Africa's Lucas Radebe.

"We feel each and every individual will be a tremendous asset to England 2018," said bid chief executive Andy Anson.

The FA's bid has been criticised by senior football figures this week.

Fifa vice-president Jack Warner told a Leaders in Football conference at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium: "The best bid will have my vote.

606: DEBATE Is England ready to host the World Cup?

"Nothing gives you the right, you have to earn it. [England is] earning it but not fast enough, creeping along when time passes quickly and you have to be running along."

Danny Jordaan, who led South Africa's successful 2010 campaign, said of England's bid: "It's time for a review. They should boost the media profile and understanding of their case."

Both Jordaan and Warner suggested the Football Association's bid team needed to make more of England's "football icons" such as David Beckham.

"They must begin to line them up to help them strengthen the character of their bid," added Jordaan.

England players David Beckham and Wayne Rooney as well as former internationals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker have already given their support for the FA's bid.

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