Anson has a background in football from his time at Manchester United

Oxford United's support has been used to illustrate the passion for football in England - by the man trying to bring the World Cup to the country in 2018.

Bid team chief executive Andy Anson said the crowd between Oxford and Luton last month was evidence that football is "part of the country's DNA".

"There were World Cup qualifiers with Czech Republic and Denmark," he said.

"The night before, there was also a match between Oxford United and Luton Town. That got the bigger crowd."

"It was watched by more than 10,600 people. Yes, 10,600 for a non-league game… on a Tuesday night."

"Our matches, from Liverpool-Man Utd to Oxford-Luton, are special."

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