BT will provide cash and marketing support for the campaign to bring the World Cup back to England for the first time since 1966 in a deal that is hugely valuable to the bid after the Government offered only a £2.5 million loan instead of expected £5 million funding towards the total £15 million cost.

England 2018 chief executive Andy Anson said: "The support of BT is an extremely significant step forward for us as it shows tremendous confidence in England's bid.

"We are delighted to be working with a communications partner who can provide support and advice in a critical area of the technical bid we make to FIFA and in marketing the bid domestically and internationally."

BT had signed a deal with London 2012 worth £80 million in March 2008 to become the official telecommunications partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT Retail, said: "We're absolutely delighted to be the first major consumer partner to support the bid to stage the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

"BT is extremely passionate about backing national initiatives that have the potential to bring so much enjoyment and business opportunities to our shores.

"This decision, along with our current involvement in London 2012 demonstrates BT's deep resources and capabilities to provide some of the most vital services and expertise for the world's greatest sporting events."