That visit also included tours of some of the stadiums that form part of England's bid - Old Trafford, City of Manchester Stadium, St James' Park and the Stadium of Light and gave the Fifa delegation a chance to inspect transport, stadiums and security.

BBC: Fifa president Sepp Blatter meets PM David Cameron

And many schools have dramatically increased the national diversity of their student bodies in a bid to foster cultural awareness by a form of classroom osmosis.

FORBES: B-school Boots on the Ground

In a year when Cameroon -- traditionally one of Africa's strongest sides -- are struggling for form in their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup finals and Africa Cup of Nations, Le Guen has much to prove.

CNN: Is Le Guen the best man for Cameroon?

Its membership bid is currently in a form of suspended animation.

ECONOMIST: Enlargement enriches old as well as new members

Now, a lot could happen between now and 2015, but Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal - whose stadia form part of the Rugby Football Union's bid - are highly likely to be involved in European competition.

BBC: Venues may hamper England's bid

Its new flagship, Kadima, failed to win the support of any other party in its bid to form a governing coalition.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: The lonely Israeli Left

Barbara Cassani, who is chairing the London bid, admits the All-England Tennis Club may not form part of the plans because grass would not be considered appropriate for disabled athletes, who will be competing in the Paralympics.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | London Olympic site revealed

Torres had started in a bid to rediscover his goalscoring form, while Utrecht's home record of six wins in as many games so far this season was also part of the reasoning behind Hodgson's decision most of his first-team stars.

BBC: FC Utrecht 0-0 Liverpool