If not here, then where?

With England uncharacteristically cruising through their qualifying group, a place at South Africa's World Cup in 2010 looks assured.

But as Fabio Capello and his backroom staff begin to think about travel arrangements and an African location suitable for both players and WAGs, officials at the FA will be busy developing England's bid to host either the 2018 or 2022 world cup.

Last month, England officially declared their intention to host the prestigious tournament for the first time since....oh come on, do you really need me to fill in this blank?!

With shiny new stadia in place and the hooligan problem drastically reduced if not solved, England will feel there is a more than decent chance that football will be "coming home". But as 2006's disasterous bid proved, relying on England's football heritage will not be enough. There are plenty of other worthy bids, and England will have a real fight on their hands if they are to emerge victorious.

FIFA will decide which two bids will win the right to host the 2018 and 2022 world cups in December 2010. So, who exactly are England up against and if the world cup is not coming here, then where will it go?

Australia
With the 2014 world cup taking place in Brazil, it's unlikely that it will go to another southern hemisphere country in 2018. Sepp Blatter has even gone on record to state that the Aussies would be best off concentrating on a 2022 bid.

Relatively new ground for football, but the popularity of the sport is growing rapidly with the relaunched A-League and the national side is regularly troubling some of the world's top sides.

They have recent experience of hosting a major sporting event from the Sydney Olympics, and their sport-mad population will ensure bumper crowds. A current lack of dedicated football stadia and the expense of away fans getting to the tournament are the only things that may hold them back.

Indonesia
With no real football heritage to speak of, Indonesia present something of an unknown quantity to FIFA. Questions remain over the country's infrastructure, and they have not previously been tested in hosting major tournaments such as the world cup.

It would appear the Indonesian bid is too much of a risk at this time.

Japan
An increasingly football-obsessed nation with the facilities, infrastructure and experience from co-hosting the 2002 world cup.

But there also lies their problem. It was only 2002 and surely this bid comes too soon after their last hosting?

Absolutely no doubts over whether they could put on a show though.

Qatar
Only bidding for the 2022 competition and they'll appreciate the extended time to prepare if successful.

They have money to burn when it comes to developing stadia, but cripplingly hot conditions and a lack of interest from the home public are not conducive to memorable world cups. FIFA may be interested in using it as an opportunity to bring football to a different part of the world, but they have to be considered an outsider at this stage.

Mexico
Famously hosted in 1970 and 1986. Featuring Pele and Maradona respectively, both tournaments were memorable and there's no doubt the home fans know their football.

They would be the first nation to host the tournament three times, which may play against them when you consider the number of relatively new bids coming in for these tournaments. The recent hysteria over swine flu was not helpful, but a decent stadia redevelopment programme may swing it for them.

Portugal/Spain joint bid
Two football-mad countries with national teams boasting some of the world's greatest players.

With the Nou Camp, Bernabeu and Vicente Calderon stadiums, it's not entirely clear why Spain need Portugal's help with this but in truth it only strengthens their bid.

Easy access, great stadia and rich footballing heritage means this is a very strong bid that may get the green light should the world cup come to Europe. England beware.

Russia
With one of the fastest growing leagues in the world, Russia is becoming a major player in the football world.

Backed by a seemingly endless supply of oil-rich billionaires, money will not be a problem. Unless of course FIFA decide to take the widespread rumors of match fixing in the Russian premier league seriously that is.

They've never hosted before though, and if they can present a clear plan of how fans and teams can get around the world's largest country much more cheaply than they currently can, they may be in luck. England will be hoping that money doesn't talk in this instance.

South Korea
Having been bitten by the football bug when jointly-hosting in 2002, South Korea are hoping to go it alone in 2022.

Already have the facilities in place but like Japan, will struggle to convince people it's their turn again so soon after their last hosting.

USA
Although still behind the NFL, NBA, baseball, NHL and probably Scatch, Soccerball is now an established sport in the US. That's more than can be said for when they first hosted in 1994.

Maybe held back by a lack of large, football-dedicated stadia, but the US know how to host a major sporting event like no-one else and could be rewarded for the progress they've made since '94.

Up against some strong competition though, and are most likely to be politely asked to wait their turn.

Belgium/Holland
Neither country has hosted a world cup before, but unlike Portugal and Spain it makes perfect sense for both countries to join forces for this bid.

Organised a superb Euro 2000 tournament and the rail, sea and air links will appeal to England fans at least. No doubt they could put on a good show, but may lack the wow factor needed to be successful.

Likely to be behind the English, Portugal/Spain and Russian European bids.

Predictions

2018 hosts - Portugal/Spain
2022 hosts - Australia

Agree or disagree?