London  - The Football Association formally submitted its application Monday to FIFA to host either the 2018 or 2022 World Cup.

"Today marks another step forward on our journey to bring the FIFA World Cup to England, and our team are focused on delivering the best bid possible to FIFA," Bid Chairman Lord Triesman said.

"By declaring our interest for both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, we are maximizing our chances of winning the right to host the world's greatest sporting occasion."

England's rivals are Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Russia, Qatar, Mexico and the United States.

The FIFA executive will vote on both hosts in December 2010. (dpa)