Ireland, Scotland and Wales have also confirmed their intention to bid for the 2019 World Cup.

BBC: England weigh up 2015 bid options

The Scots would face stiff competition from Japan, who have already announced their intention to bid for the tournament.

BBC: SPORT | Rugby Union | Scots mulling over World Cup bid

Countries have been asked to declare their intention to bid for just one of the two tournaments or to prepare presentations to host either.

BBC: England submits back-up 2022 bid

Regulators in Britain told Macquarie Bank that if it did not state its firm intention to bid for the London Stock Exchange by December 15th it would be banned from doing so for six months.

ECONOMIST: The X-factor