England captain John Terry has been appointed as an ambassador for the Football Association's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

England are one several front-runners interested in landing the finals and the bidding process will officially commence in January of next year.

They face competition from Spain, Portugal, Australia and 1994 hosts USA, but England are already putting their case together by lining up some of the biggest stars to have plied their trade in the country to back the cause.

One of those is John Terry, who will captain the nation at next summers' World Cup in South Africa, and the Chelsea man is honoured at being handed the role.

"It is a massive honour for me to become an ambassador for the England 2018 World Cup bid," Terry told the News of the World.

"I have no doubt we would provide a fantastic home for the World Cup if we had the opportunity to stage the tournament.

"We have incredible passion for football in this country, great stadia and facilities along with diverse communities.

"The support England 2018 has received so far from personalities in the game, players, clubs and most importantly fans has been amazing."

The influx of international stars into the English game over the years could pay dividends, with many of them willing to give the FA's bid their backing.

Terry said: "Gianfranco Zola is just one of the guys who has stepped forward and he was an amazing example to everyone at Chelsea and in the Premier League.

"That he is joined by the likes of Michael Ballack, Ossie Ardiles, Lucas Radebe, Sven Goran Eriksson and Michael Essien shows just how much admiration players from around the world have for football in England.

"To have the support of such a talented and respected group of people for England 2018 will be a boost for the bid."

Official confirmation of the chosen hosts will be announced by world governing body FIFA on December 2 2010.