PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – Caribbean football strongman Jack Warner has made an about-turn on England’s World Cup chances, Friday assuring British Prime Minister Gordon Brown his country had an excellent chance of hosting the spectacle.

Warner, a powerful FIFA vice-president, was speaking during a meeting with Brown who arrived here this week to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

“It is your time to host the World Cup. England has all of the attributes to host a great event but something is lacking in the bid teams’ aggression and passion,” said Warner, the long-serving CONCACAF president.

The meeting with Warner was crucial to England’s hopes, especially against the backdrop of the football mogul’s recent criticisms of the powerhouses.

He said last month England had failed to wow FIFA and they needed to understand they did not possess any divine right to host the World Cup.

Warner encouraged Brown to utilise England’s resources in trying to secure the 2018 event.

“Mr Prime Minister you must use your attributes, use your ambassadors more, let the world see and feel your presence,” Trinidadian Warner said.

“I have tried to convey this message to your team but they took it as criticism. It is not my intention to hamper England’s chances; I want to see England be all that she can be.” 

Brown, who met with Warner at the British High Commission, re-emphasised to Warner his desire to see England host its first World Cup since 1966.

He said while securing the bid was being fuelled by a committee, government were firmly backing their efforts and would do their best to ensure the event came to England.

“I am passionate about football, England is passionate about football. We want to use the World Cup to not just show the world that England can do it but we want to encourage the next generation of this planet to be involved in football,” Brown noted.

“While there is a bid committee, the government is entirely behind the event. We are committed to establishing the proper framework to ensure a successful World Cup in 2018. ”

Brown was one of two Prime Ministers meeting with Warner on Friday as Australian Kevin Rudd also held discussions over his country’s bid.

Both countries will be presenting bids to the FIFA Executive Committee to host the 2018 or 2022 World Cups with a decision expected in December 2010.