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Beckham puts faith in 'good relationship' with Warner

David Beckham anticipates a close result © Getty Images

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David Beckham has spoken of his "good relationship" with FIFA vice-president Jack Warner, and he insists England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup is "looking good".

Beckham is currently in Zurich attempting to "put the cherry on the cake" as England close their World Cup bid ahead of Thursday's vote. Spain's joint bid with Portugal, along with Russia's proposal, have been considered long-term favourites, but England are believed to be making things closer than was expected at the start of the week.

Crucial to the voting process is Trinidad and Tobago football executive Warner, who is recognised as one of the most significant floating voters due to his role as CONCACAF president. Beckham has a long history with Warner, having set up a football Academy in the southern Caribbean state, and he spoke positively of their relationship on Wednesday.

"I've always had a good relationship with Jack," Beckham told Sky Sports News. "When we played over there for England, it was my 50th cap as England captain. I promised I'd open the Academy. His vote is crucial, but there are other votes we need too.

"But as I say, I've always had a good relationship with Jack. When I was over there, I met his family and his friends and it was a great trip. He's a very important man."

Beckham has been joined by Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William to boost England's bid, and the England international admits he is aware of "a few" guaranteed votes secured by England. And, after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin snubbed the vote on Wednesday, Beckham insists the importance of such figures cannot be overestimated.

"It's going to be close," he said. "I know a few [guaranteed votes], but it's not for me to sit here and say who I definitely know will vote for us, or who I think might vote for us. But I believe we've got a lot of supporters and things are looking good. We're confident.

"We're getting a positive reaction. The stuff that has gone on over the last few days [regarding the BBC's Panorama programme] has been spoken about, it had to be spoken about, we spoke to the president about everything that had been said, but he guaranteed us it wouldn't affect the vote.

"Having the Prime Minister here, and having Prince William here, you cannot downplay that. It's huge. Everybody knows the support we have from the fans, but to have the weight of the future King of England and the Prime Minister here... I saw what happened in Singapore when Tony Blair went over there, to have that stature with us in the bid is huge."

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