Blair: they think it's all over . . .

Blair Backs Britain's World Cup Bid

Downing Street said the matter has not been raised with the Prime Minister, and he has no intention of abandoning the bid.

Mr Vogts appealed to Mr Blair to fall back in line with his European partners and support the German bid. "If I was the Prime Minister I would tell the FA to withdraw," he said. "If they have any character, they will pull out. All the countries in Europe think that."

Germany supported England's Euro 96 bid, believing the FA would support its claim in return.

But Downing Street said Mr Blair would continue to back Britain's fight for the finals. "This matter wasn't raised with the Prime Minister yesterday in Paris," said a spokesman.

"It hasn't been raised with him at all. We still support Britain's bid, of course. Obviously we will continue to do so."

Labour made an election commitment to "provide full backing" to the bid to host the finals. FIFA, the world governing body, does not have to make a decision until 2000, but Germany has expressed concerns that Europe will lose out if it submits two bids.