England's 2018 World Cup bidding team want Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger as an ambassador.

The Mail on Sunday says there are those on the board who want to go even further, however, by asking the Arsenal manager to be the bid's figurehead.

The bid directors have been considering names who could give their efforts a higher profile as the European challenges of Russia and Spain gather pace.

The Arsenal manager, who saw his team suffer a surprise 1-0 defeat at Sunderland yesterday, has emerged as a leading candidate, with his worldwide reputation an undoubted asset.

However, a source did admit: "Wenger's name was suggested by one board member and it is being considered, but other members worry about how it might look.

"It should be a no-brainer. Wenger has changed the face of English football and is almost an honorary Englishman these days. He is also hugely respected around the world. Having him fronting it would make a lot of sense."