Nick Backs Sheffield 2018

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The best squash player in the world has given his backing to England's 2018 World Cup bid.

Nick Matthew, 29, from Sheffield, was officially crowned World Number One on Tuesday June 1, after winning the Sky Open in Cairo, Egypt.

His incredible performances this season meant Matthew only had to reach the final of the international competition, but went on to beat Egyptian Karim Darwish.

Now Matthew, who has been playing squash since 1998, is returning home to Sheffield where he hopes World Cup matches will be played, should England be successful in its bid to host the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup.

He said: "Sheffield prides itself on being a city of sport, and any top level sporting event is always unbelievably well received here.

"I remember when Sheffield hosted Euro 96, Sheffield was buzzing. Along with the Olympics, the World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the World. The atmosphere in Sheffield would be off the scale, I am sure."

To support England's bid to be a World Cup host, text England to 62018 or visit www.sheffield2018.co.uk to register your vote.