A team of inspectors from world governing body FIFA have started a four-day assessment of facilities and stadiums as part of England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The delegation is due to view venues in Manchester, London, Newcastle and Sunderland, while also meeting with the deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, and England manager Fabio Capello. England 2018 bid chief executive Andy Anson said: "We are looking forward to bringing our proposals to life by providing the inspectors with opportunities to experience some of our facilities first-hand and to take part in a range of presentations involving football people, from greats of the game through to community coaches and volunteers."

Clegg said: "I am delighted to welcome the FIFA Inspection Team to Downing Street and to have the chance to communicate the government's 100 per cent backing for the world class bid which the England 2018 bid team has put together." London mayor Boris Johnson added: "We have the heritage, expertise and infrastructure to put on the most commercially successful World Cup FIFA has even seen, meaning more reinvestment than ever in football home and abroad."

FIFA will decide which country hosts the 2018 World Cup in December, with England up against Russia, Spain and Portugal, Netherlands and Belgium and the US. In June, Australia pulled out of the 2018 race to concentrate on securing the 2022 tournament along with Qatar, South Korea and Japan after it was revealed the 2018 event was likely to be held in Europe.