The Fifa president Sepp Blatter has said England will be one of the favourites to host the 2018 World Cup finals.

Fifa's executive committee announced on Saturday that the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 tournaments will be announced at the end of 2010, and countries can launch bids for both.

England's Football Association have stated their intention to bid for the 2018 tournament, and will be among the frontrunners.

"England is a strong candidate, because it is a strong country in football," said Blatter.

"They are strong. But there are other candidates that are strong as well; Spain is also strong - and if you look at all the candidates you see that the fight is open."

As well as England and Spain, Belgium/Holland, Australia, Qatar, China, Japan, Mexico and the United States are expected to bid.