Beckham and Blatter poised for meeting

David Beckham was due to meet FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday to push England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.

The England midfielder and Football Association chairman Lord Triesman were meeting Blatter in Cape Town ahead of Friday's draw.

Beckham will visit a township on Thursday before taking part in the bidding countries Expo event on Friday morning. He is also one of the football celebrities taking part in the final draw on Friday night.

Blatter said on Tuesday that England had to use Beckham as the most public face of their campaign.

"This guy is a good guy, let me tell you," said the FIFA president.

"I've been working in FIFA for 35 years and I know a good guy for big days. He is one of the most important figures in football. He has a personal charisma that very few players have. He's a great man.

"If they didn't use him they are not very intelligent. They have to use him for everything forever."

Blatter said Beckham's presence at the draw was also important for the game.

He added: "It's good that Beckham helps with the draw. Beckham is the best ambassador for fair play in football. He's a good guy. He's perhaps not the best player in the world but he is a good guy."