Last week, David Beckham and a delegation from the England 2018 team formally handed over England's 'Bid Books' to FIFA in Zurich.

On the same day, University of Sunderland students from many different countries gathered on their campus to show their support for the England bid, enthusiastically sending their own message to FIFA that they would love to see England host the World Cup in 2018.

Students from countries including China, Greece, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria and Turkey joined together to fly the England 2018 flag before going on to enjoying a kickabout together on the University of Sunderland's Gateway building indoor football pitch.

Ashish Patel from Kenya, who is a University of Sunderland Student Ambassador studying for an MSC in Information Technology Management, said: "Growing up in Kenya, I was brought up to support Manchester United and England. The English game is fantastic and has always been a great inspiration for the development of football in Kenya over the years.

"I cannot think of a better country to host the FIFA World Cup than England. The stadia here are the best in the world, the infrastructure is excellent and the passion of the fans is incredible. People eat, sleep and breathe football in England and that enthusiasm would make for a wonderful tournament.

"It would also be great to see World Cup football come to Sunderland in 2018. The Stadium of Light is a magnificent venue with a great atmosphere and the people are extremely friendly and welcoming. After graduating from my Bachelors degree I could have studied for my Masters anywhere in the world but chose to stay in Sunderland because it is such a great place."

Abeke Egega from Nigeria who is studying for a MSC in Enterprise and Biotechnology, said: "The World Cup is a great event because it brings nations together. It would be wonderful for England and Sunderland if the World Cup comes here in 2018 and I am looking forward to following Nigeria and England in this summer's World Cup in South Africa."

Olorunfemi Babatundo, a University of Sunderland student from Nigeria, said: "In Africa we love watching Premier League football; it is the most exciting league in the world with the best teams, biggest stadiums and great fans. England would undoubtedly be a great host nation and Sunderland is the perfect example of what the county has to offer, with a superb stadium and very friendly people who love football."