The newly appointed official insisted the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester will prove to be a "fantastic event".

Moffett believes the 2005 World Athletics Championships fiasco and the on-off development of Wembley have overshadowed England's recent good record.

Moffett said: "The English beat up on themselves too much. You have had successful events and shown you can run them.

"You had Euro '96 which was tremendously successful and the Commonwealth Games in Manchester are going to be a great success.

"The ticket sales are already going exceptionally well. It's going to be a fantastic event."

When questioned about the debacle surrounding the loss of the 2005 event and the saga of the new national stadium, Moffett was diplomatic.

"It's something I can't get into," he said. "I've only been here three days and I don't have the knowledge yet."

Need for change

Moffett, on a three-week fact-finding mission from Australia, added: "No matter what has gone before, as the chief executive you become responsible for it and when I take over on 7 January, I will quickly get up to speed."

His broad remit is aimed as much at the grass roots of sport as it is at funding international stars.

He will also oversee the government's reorganisation of Sport England and its funding, with the emphasis on integrating sport into wider issues.

"Everyone in Sport England is prepared for change. That is one of the reasons I was brought in. I am an agent for change," said the former amateur rugby referee.