World Cup role for Wills?

As President of the Football Association, Prince William is expected to play a role in England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

But the FA have yet to approach anybody about taking part in the campaign.

The Prince is understood he is aware of England's bid and it is thought he will be used sparingly in an ambassadorial role.

William has already shown himself to be an enthusiastic supporter of FA initiatives - last month he played football with youngsters in Newcastle after visiting one of the FA's hat-trick schemes in the north east.

The leadership of England's World Cup bid is being viewed by the FA as the most important issue to tackle.

FA chief executive Brian Barwick said: "The leadership of this bid is vitally important and we have a lot of thinking to do - and a lot of time to do it - about the type of leader we need for this bid."

The FA are likely to follow London 2012's lead in setting up a bid company with a chairman, chief executive, finance director and communications director.

But they have yet to discuss with the Government who will pay for the bid - with the cost estimated at £15 million.

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.