There had been growing speculation that Lineker, the former Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona striker, would be asked to adopt a higher profile in the bid and fulfilling a similar role to the one that Sebastian Coe played when he was chairman during London's successful campaign to host the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics.

 

But he made it clear today in his weekly column published in the Mail on Sunday that he wishes to concentrate on his career as a presenter with the BBC.

 

Lineker wrote: "There is nobody more keen to see the tournament here for the first time since 1966.

 

"I've already done a couple of things to help the bid but I should stress I have not been asked to be the big Lord Coe figurehead.

 

"I'm just one of several bid ambassadors who will help in any way.

 

"For example, I've just narrated a promotional film.

 

"That suits me fine.

 

"I am not by nature a politicial animal and remain committed to my 'day job' at the BBC, but I'll always lend my support for 2018 in any way I can."

 

Calls have been growing for a prominent international figurehead to replace Lord Triesman as the face of the bid following criticism earlier this month from FIFA Executive Committee member Jack Warner that England's bid is too "lightweight".

 

Lineker, 48, is one of England's greatest-ever players.

 

In 80 appearances for the national team between 1984 and 1992 he scored 48 goals, only one behind the record set by Sir Bobby Charlton, and played in the England sides that reached the World Cup quarter-final in Mexico in 1986 and the semi-final in Italy four years later, scoring on both occasions as his team were beaten 2-1 by Argentina and 4-3 on penalties by West Germany.

 

Lineker also enjoyed a successful club career, including a spell at Barcelona where he scored 43 goals in 103 appearances.

 

After retiring in 1994 following a brief spell in Japan he joined the BBC and is now the presenter of Match of the Day.

 

Lineker said: "Having played at two World Cups and for club sides in Spain and Japan, I am aware of the importance of the World Cup and believe England would do a wonderful job in putting on the greatest spectacle in sport."

 

 

Related stories

October 2009: Alan Hubbard - Gary Lineker can be England 2018's Sebastian Coe

November 2007: Bid needs a "dream team" says Mills