LONDON — David Beckham has been appointed a vice president for England's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

The Los Angeles Galaxy star will support a newly formed Football Association executive board. Its task is bringing football's biggest event back to the country that last staged it in 1966, when England captured the trophy — its only World Cup triumph.

"I'm proud to be part of the FA's 2018 World Cup bid and will do everything I can to help bring the tournament to England," Beckham told thefa.com.

"I was able to play my part in the successful London 2012 Olympic bid and, throughout my career, have witnessed the difference sport makes to peoples' lives, all over the world."

The FA announced Beckham will be joined by another former England star, John Barnes, who begins work as coach of Jamaica's national team next month. More vice presidents will be announced soon.

England will face opposition in Europe from a joint bid by Belgium and the Netherlands, and there is speculation that Australia and China might also be interested in hosting the event.

While the United States is also considering a move, FIFA president Sepp Blatter suggested two weeks ago that, because the Americas already have the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the U.S. would stand a better chance in 2022.

The 2018 host will be selected at an executive committee meeting in 2011. Blatter said FIFA is looking at the possibility of selecting the 2022 host at the same time.