Essien to aid England 2018 bid

England is counting on the exemplary qualities of Ghana's Michael Essien as they push for their 2018 World Cup bid.

With Ghana not in the frame of bidding for the biggest football competition, the Black Stars and Chelsea midfielder is been rolled in as England taps into his appeal.

Essien is part of an impressive squad of World Cup ambassadors which includes both present and former football icons drawn from overseas to aid the bid.

Apart from Essien, England will be counting on the services of other African stars like John Obi Mikel, Victor Anichebe, Joseph Yobo and Kanu (Nigeria), Kolo Touré and Salomon Kalou (Ivory Coast), Lucas Radebe and Steven Pienaar (South Africa).

The ambassadors will play a supporting role to the more actively involved bid vice-presidents, who include Prince William, David Beckham, Fabio Capello and Hope Powell.

England will be announcing the host cities and stadiums to be included in the bid in December, with Fifa making its final decision 12 months later.

Australia Indonesia, Japan and Russia have confirmed their bids to host the 21st FIFA World Cup in 2018.

Portugal and Spain have tabled a joint bid, as have Belgium and Holland.

Mexico withdrew their bid citing financial concerns as the reason.