England submits back-up 2022 bid

Wembley is likely to be a key part of the FA's campaign

England want to be considered as hosts of the 2022 World Cup if the bid for the 2018 tournament fails.

The Football Association made official bids for both tournaments on Monday and will be in the race for 2022 as long as the 2018 hosts are not European.

Bid chairman Lord Triesman said: "We are maximising our chances of winning the right to host the world's greatest sporting occasion."

Fifa will choose the hosts for 2018 and 2022 in December 2010.

Countries have been asked to declare their intention to bid for just one of the two tournaments or to prepare presentations to host either.

The Netherlands and Belgium have already made a joint bid, while Australia has submitted its application.

Further bids are also expected from the United States, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea and Qatar. A joint bid from Spain and Portugal is also likely before the deadline closes on Monday.

Lord Triesman added: "This marks another step forward on our journey to bring the Fifa World Cup to England and our team are focused on delivering the best bid possible to Fifa."

The next stage will be to present Fifa with details of stadiums, transport and hotels needed to stage the event.

South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup and the 2014 event will be in Brazil.