The trio made more than 1,000 appearances for Liverpool and Everton respectively and have 175 England caps between them.

 

 

Neal, the only Englishman to have four European Cup winner’s medals in his possession and a member of England’s 1982 World Cup squad, said: “This bid means a great deal to a passionate footballing city like Liverpool.

 

"Speaking as a player, I always appreciated the chance to play in major tournaments, but speaking today as a fan, it would be great to be involved again.

 

"I am delighted to be an ambassador for 2018 and I will do all I can to help.

 

“To be part of the 2018 World Cup would be fantastic and it would offer a great platform to build on all the good work done in the Capital of Culture year.

 

“If we did win the bid to become a Host City, Liverpool would create a magnificent festival atmosphere.

 

“Not everybody would be able to get match tickets, but it would be still be great to be in the city with all the big screens, fan parties and pop concerts. It would be a magical summer.

 

“The atmosphere in Spain in 1982 was brilliant, but I’m sure this would be even better.”

 

Barnes is already an ambassador for the bid, having been appointed as vice-president by the Football Association alongside David Beckham last October, but is pleased to be supporting Liverpool.

 

He said: “I know how much hard work the FA are putting into this bid and with Liverpool’s fantastic footballing tradition it’s an amazing opportunity to be part of an England bid.

 

“The infrastructure is here, the stadia and training facilities will be here and the fans are here. I remember Mexico 1986 vividly and the passion of the people was amazing.

 

"I am 100 per cent certain that fans on Merseyside will bring colour and vibrancy to 2018 if the bid is successful.

 

“Everyone talks about fans bringing colour to World Cups, whether it be Jamaican fans or Brazilians, but our fans would bring their own unmistakable flavour to a World Cup on Merseyside.”

 

Everton legend Gary Stevens was a member of two World Cup squads – in 1986 and 1990 – and won 46 caps for England.

 

He said: “I wish I was still playing, but to be an ambassador for Liverpool’s 2018 bid is the next best thing.

 

“I have lived in Liverpool most of my adult life and it has been good to me, so it will be good to pay a little back as an ambassador.

 

"The people of Liverpool have a great passion for the game and the attitude and commitment they showed when they put their heart and soul into something is second to none.”

 

Liverpool is one of 15 cities competing to be chosen by England.

 

The bid to be part of England’s World Cup application to FIFA is led by Liverpool City Council.

 

The city has submitted an outline bid based on Everton FC and Liverpool FC both having two new stadia by 2018.

 

The 25-page bid document also highlights the strength of grassroots football, Liverpool’s transport.

 

FIFA will announce the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup in December 2010.