The Football Association has confirmed it is in talks over a possible bid to host the 2018 World Cup finals - but it will not try for the 2014 finals.
England last hosted the World Cup in 1966
FA chief executive Brian Barwick has already targeted the 2018 finals after Britain's successsful Olympic 2012 bid.
"We are clearly giving some serious consideration to putting together a bid for the tournament," Barwick told the FA's website.
Culture secretary Tessa Jowell said the Government would support any bid.
A Treasury spokesman said: "In the normal course of its business, the Treasury and DCMS are in constant dialogue with the FA and other sports bodies on a range of issues.
"Discussions about a World Cup bid in 2018 are at a very early stage, but we are hopeful we can build on the success of our Olympic bid by bringing the World Cup and other great international sporting events to Britain."
And in August, Barwick said: "I think we would bid further down the line. The next time that it should come to Europe is probably 2018 and we have got enough time to get organised."
The FA, who missed out in the 2006 bid, have yet to make any firm decisions and has denied reports claiming Barwick had had talks with the Treasury about a 2014 bid.
Next summer's World Cup will be staged in Germany and is not expected to return to Europe for another 12 years.
The 2014 finals are likely to be held in South America.
England hosted the World Cup in 1966 - when the home nation won the tournament - and also staged Euro 96.