Former Tottenham and Newcastle United star David Ginola has joined England's 2018 World Cup bid committee.

Ginola now lives back in his native France but is a well-known figure in England because of his exploits in the Premier League.

Ginola is not the only overseas personality among the team of ambassadors, with Chelsea midfielders Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Michael Ballack also on board along with former Tottenham player and manager Ossie Ardiles among many others.

Ginola, who was part of the bid to include Newcastle and Gateshead as one of the host venues for the tournament, said: "I had a tremendous time playing in front of passionate English crowds.

"They always brought the best out of me and I feel they would spur the world's greatest players into producing a truly memorable tournament if the World Cup was staged in England.

"People all over the world love watching English football and every visiting team, player and supporter would find a home-from-home welcome at a World Cup in England.

"It would inspire fans everywhere and I am proud to be backing England 2018."