Beckham to pitch for England hosting rights of FIFA World Cup in 2018

David Beckham is flying to South Africa next week ahead of the World Cup draw to push England's claims to host the tournament in 2018.

According to The Sun, members of the 24-man FIFA executive, who will decide England's fate, are queuing up for a private audience with the country's former skipper.

The bid has been beset by problems in recent weeks, the latest being the resignation from the board of Premier League chairman Dave Richards.

But the mood is now one of going forward and concentrating on the positive, and Becks is helping.

The midfield superstar will arrive in Cape Town next Wednesday and take on a whirlwind programme promoting the England cause over a couple of days. That includes meeting executive members like vice-president Jack Warner for one-to-one talks.

Warner has been critical of England's bid, calling it 'lightweight' and suggesting they need to use Becks if it is to be a success.

The bid team, led by FA chairman Lord Triesman, have taken that advice.