He has leapt to the defence of stadium standards in England following critical comments by Danny Jordaan, the campaign director of the rival South African bid.

Sir Geoff, who scored a hat-trick when England beat West Germany in the 1966 final, professed himself amazed at claims that grounds were "not modern" and "all built in the 1950s and 1960s".

Speaking to an audience in Zurich, which included FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Sir Geoff insisted facilities at the leading stadiums in England were superb.

"In the last ten years almost £600m has been spent on grounds and that is without the £320m which will go towards the new Wembley.

"Our grounds are modern. They are all designed specifically for football, which helps to generate the most exciting and passionate atmosphere in the world," he said.

Blatter has voiced support for South Africa in the past, but has recently issued a list of requirements which the Republic must meet.

The list covers stadiums, security, transport, infrastructure, telecommunications and hotels.

Sir Geoff said he welcomed news that the FIFA inspection would be more rigorous than ever before.