Sunderland

Sunderland is the largest city in the North East, with a population of 280,000 as well as a further 2.5 million people on its doorstep. This, along with hosting events such as Radio 1's Big Weekend and huge concerts such as Oasis and Take That, gives the city more than enough experience to cope with the influx of people the World Cup would create.

The city has a long history of World Cup tradition, with Roker Park being one of the host grounds during England's triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign. Along with Middlesbrough's old Ayresome Park ground they hosted the teams drawn in Group 4 - Italy, Chile, USSR and Korea DPR. Famously one of the favourites Italy were knocked out at the group stages after suffering a defeat to lowly Korea.

When Sunderland moved to the Stadium of Light they gave the city a world class football venue, widely considered one of the best stadia in Europe. With a capacity of 49,000 it has already played host to competitive England internationals. Teams based or playing in the area will also have access to world class facilities, such as the Academy of Light as well as other grounds further afield.

The city has a direct link to Newcastle International Airport via the Tyne & Wear Metro and a good transport infrastructure.