Warner

LONDON, England (CMC):

Regional football boss Jack Warner has made an about-turn and thrown his support behind England to host the 2018 football World Cup.

A FIFA vice-president, Warner in the past has heavily criticised England and recently provoked the ire of officials there by saying he would do everything possible to prevent the country from hosting the event in the near future.

The controversial CONCACAF president now says England deserves to host the prestigious event, football's major showpiece.

"It is England's time. The fact is they invented this sport. They last held the World Cup 42 years ago. That is almost two to three generations. There are guys in England who have never seen a World Cup on English soil. I am saying that the time has come for England to come into its own," Warner was quoted as saying.

"They have a lot of things in place and CONCACAF is one of the strongest supporters of England."

The comments are likely to ease relations between Warner and the England FA, which have been strained since Warner's recent negative remarks.

The tension is also said to have played a key role in stymieing efforts between Trinidadian football authorities and the English FA in organising an international friendly between the two countries.

Warner said he remained hopeful a deal could be reached.

"We have agreed to hold discussions which are positive but we shall wait and see if we can sort something out," Warner said.