Beckham to keep fighting

Fifa will announce on Thursday whether England, Russia, Spain/Portugal or Holland/Belgium will host the tournament in 2018.

The bidding process has been long and complicated and the 22 members of Fifa's executive committee will have been carefully mulling over which way to vote for some time.

However, 2018 ambassador Beckham recognises the importance of fighting until the very last minute and says every effort will be made to ensure the bid is successful.

The challenge of securing the vote is one Beckham compares to some of his most difficult tasks as a player.

"The last 24 hours can be the most important without a doubt," said the England midfielder.

Biggest game

"All the way through my career, especially for Manchester United, I've known how important it is to keep fighting to the last minute - especially in the biggest games I have played in.

"I know how important it is to keep going right up to the decision."

Beckham also played a leading role in the final lobbying when London won the 2012 Olympics in Singapore five years ago, and he admits clinching the World Cup would mean as much if not more.

"Getting the Olympics to the East End was a huge thing but to bring the World Cup to your own country as an England player would be very, very special.

"I think the momentum is out there now, people have focused on the negative side of what has been said and we now are focused on the positive side."