Simon Cowell back's England's 2018 World Cup bid

By
( )
published
Simon Cowell back's England's 2018 World Cup bid
Simon Cowell back's England's 2018 World Cup bid (Image credit: PA Archive/PA Photos)

Simon Cowell, Noel Gallagher and Kasabian frontman Serge Pizzorno are backing England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. Actors Stephen Fry, Michael Sheen and Rupert Grint have also added their support as the Fifa executive committee vote approaches. Oasis star Noel said: "The buzz the nation would create if we were to host the World Cup in 2018 would be incredible." X Factor judge Simon said a successful bid would "unite the whole country" while Kasabian star Serge believes a World Cup in England "would create a huge wave of passion". Actor Michael said England would "produce the most memorable of tournaments" and Harry Potter star Rupert urged "the entire nation to back the bid". Broadcaster Stephen said: "No other country in the world can match our infatuation for the game and this is the reason I believe England would be an ideal host for the 2018 World Cup."

Patrick McLennan
Patrick McLennan

Patrick McLennan is a London-based journalist and documentary maker who has worked as a writer, sub-editor, digital editor and TV producer in the UK and New Zealand. His CV includes spells as a news producer at the BBC and TVNZ, as well as web editor for Time Inc UK. He has produced TV news and entertainment features on personalities as diverse as Nick Cave, Tom Hardy, Clive James, Jodie Marsh and Kevin Bacon and he co-produced and directed The Ponds, which has screened in UK cinemas, BBC Four and is currently available on Netflix. 

An entertainment writer with a diverse taste in TV and film, he lists Seinfeld, The Sopranos, The Chase, The Thick of It and Detectorists among his favourite shows, but steers well clear of most sci-fi.