England Receives Surprise Backing From Germany For 2030 World Cup Bid

The FA "remarkably received the backing" of Germany for England to host the 2030 World Cup -- without any negotiations, according to Charles Sale of the London DAILY MAIL. There is not yet a decision by the FA, "still bruised" from the '18 bid debacle, about whether to put its hat in the ring for '30, when the World Cup is "expected to be staged in Europe again." But German FA (DFB) President Reinhard Grindel announced his country would "fully support England as the UEFA candidate." This "premature endorsement is all the more surprising considering the history of tournament bidding rivalry between the nations," including the "disputed gentlemen's agreement" that the FA would support Germany for the 2006 World Cup in return for its backing around Euro 1996 -- the last big football tournament held in England. The FA welcomed Germany's support for '30, but "there is going to be no reciprocal backing" for its ambition to host Euro 2024 (DAILY MAIL, 11/12).