Tories ditch magnetic letters:

THERESA MAY will today throw her “full support” behind a joint UK and Ireland football World Cup bid in 2030.

Ahead of the start of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, the Prime Minister has promised to back a bid if football associations choose to make one, as she praised the “excitement” of the last World Cup.

Currently, football associations in England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland are deciding whether or not to take forward a bid by looking at whether the countries could be ready in time.

Speaking ahead of the annual party conference which starts tomorrow, Mrs May said: “Following the excitement of this summer’s World Cup, the English FA is working together with the FAS of Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Ireland to explore whether there could be a joint bid to host the 2030 World Cup.”

England last hosted the World Cup in 1966, the only time the team has lifted the prestigious trophy.

The next competition will be held in 2022 in Qatar, with the US and Mexico hosting the 2026 event together.

Wembley Stadium will host the semi-finals and final of the Euro 2020 tournament.

The Government believes it is time that the UK hosted the event again, as many other nations have won the bid on more than one occasion since England last had the chance.

It comes as the Education Secretary and sports minister launched a joint bid to increase sport in schools.