Andy Burnham has said he wants the UK to host the men’s football World Cup in 2042, following comments from the prime minister expressing support for bringing the tournament back to the British Isles. It would be the first World Cup held in the UK since England hosted and won in 1966, and could involve the other home nations as part of a joint bid.

A formal bid has not been launched, and eligibility rules mean no European country can host before 2042 because the 2030 tournament is partly in Europe. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are already due to co-host Euro 2028; the government is also considering a possible multi-city northern bid for the 2040s Olympic and Paralympic Games.