Prince William and David Beckham are part of a 30-man delegation from the England 2018 bid team heading to Zurich for the Fifa vote

Prince William has urged fans to back England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup ahead of next week's Fifa vote.

The Football Association president will be in Zurich where Fifa will unveil the hosts at 1500 GMT on 2 December.

And in a letter to be published in all Premier League match-day programmes this weekend, he said: "I urge every one of you to take pride in our bid."

England face competition from Russia and joint bids from Netherlands-Belgium and Spain-Portugal.

Each of this weekend's 10 Premier League games, which will be broadcast in more than 200 countries across the globe, will feature bid branding at the stadiums, while mascots will wear special England 2018 caps.

If we are successful, I know you will join me in welcoming back to our shores the greatest show on earth Prince William

The 72 Football League clubs will also be supporting the bid.

William added: "Football is in the lifeblood of this nation. From local playing fields up and down the land, right up to Wembley itself, English people live and breathe the game.

"It unites us in a way that reaches far beyond club rivalry and allegiance.

"England's passion for its national game is legendary, and would ensure that a Fifa World Cup here would be an unforgettable experience for football fans everywhere.

"Our defining ambition is that 2018 must inspire young people the world over to play football and benefit from all that this great sport offers - team spirit, health, a focus in life, the values of sportsmanship and fair play and, above all, just the sheer thrill and excitement of playing the game.

"This would be our legacy. That is why I want so desperately for the Fifa World Cup to come here.

"So, I urge every one of you to take pride in our bid. If we are successful, I know you will join me in welcoming back to our shores the greatest show on earth."

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