St Mary's Stadium opened in 2001

Southampton executive chairman Nicola Cortese feels St Mary's could be used as a World Cup venue if England is chosen to host the 2018 tournament.

Portsmouth's Fratton Park has already been identified as a possible venue even though redevelopment work at the ground has yet to start.

Cortese believes Saints' stadium could be a suitable alternative.

"We have shown our interest but it is not depending on us," Cortese told BBC Radio Solent.

"Right now Portsmouth look to be favourites but whether they get their act together, that is to be seen".

A delegation from the FA recently visited Portsmouth to assess its suitability to be a host city.

Portsmouth plan to expand the capacity of Fratton Park to 30,000 before building a new stadium with a 40,000-plus capacity.

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