The news that Liverpool have been included in the list of possible venues for Englands bid to host the World Cup in 2018 drew comments from many top footballing personalities, not least the Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and his manager Rafael Benitez.

Anfield is renowned throughout the world as being the most atmospheric ground in English football, and the Everton captain Phil Neville said there was no doubt in his mind that Liverpool would be one of the chosen ones.

He said: ‘’This is great news for a great footballing city.

“But I always expected Liverpool to be selected. Any football tournament in this country without this city involved would be unthinkable. Let’s hope that England now wins the bid.’’

Steven Gerrard joined in and said: “Liverpool is such an historic footballing city I’m not surprised we’ve been chosen.

“I’m 100% behind England’s bid and I’d love to see World Cup games played here.’’

And Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez also came out in the city’s support: “This city lives and breathes football and if England are successful it will be a fantastic stage for World Cup games,’’ he said.

And it was down to the Liverpool Council chief executive Colin Hilton to have the last word on the inevitability of his council’s inclusion.

“Nothing defines our city more than our passion for the beautiful game.” he said.

“Liverpool is famous for staging outstanding, atmospheric football occasions and has a well deserved reputation for friendliness and generosity to visiting fans.”

And you can’t say fairer than that!