David Beckham vows to bring football home with final push for 2018 World Cup

But his efforts were hampered by a night of shame for English football as fans at Birmingham City v Aston Villa derby ran riot.

Becks, 35, joined Prince William and David Cameron in Zurich for talks with 22 Fifa delegates who decide if football’s coming home.

He promised to battle “to the final whistle” using our secret weapon – the millions of England fans in love with the beautiful game.He said: “When you represent your country, you give everything, on and off the field. Many of my biggest games have gone to the last few minutes and we’ll keep working to the end.”

Russia’s bid slipped to second favourite after President Vladimir Putin decided not to travel to Zurich.