FIFA president Sepp Blatter has claimed England could hold an exceptional World Cup if they were given the chance to host the tournament.

The country last bid to host the global showpiece just over two years ago ended in disappointment after Russia were awarded the 2018 event.

With the 2022 World Cup allocated to Qatar, and Europe unlikely to be considered for 2026, it may not be until 2030 that England get another opportunity – 63 years after they last hosted the event.

Nevertheless, after the success of the London 2012 Olympics, Blatter claims he is in no doubt that the country could do a good job.

Blatter said: "Should England organise a World Cup, they would make the best out of it, and they would make something very, very exceptional. It is the homeland of football."

The comments come in an interview with Sky Sports due to be broadcast tonight.

Blatter, who has been regularly involved in controversy since taking the role as the game's top administrator in 1998, is asked how he would like to be remembered.

The 76-year-old replied: "It was a question somebody had asked Einstein, how he would be remembered.

"He said 'Once I am no longer there, I don't mind what they think about me'."