English Football Association chairman Brian Barwick has hinted he is ready to consider launching an attempt to bring the tournament to England for the first time since 1966.

Johansson, who discussed the idea with British chancellor Gordon Brown in London on Wednesday, believes a World Cup in England would be a good idea.

And Labour Sports Minister Richard Caborn confirmed overnight the government would also support a bid when he told the BBC: "Absolutely. I have no doubt."

The support of European football's governing body would be a big boost to any bid from England and Johansson said: "I met the chancellor and he showed a great interest in England being the hosts of the World Cup.

"I informed him that the other confederations have proposed that the World Cup should go to Europe every third time.

"After South Africa and then Australia or South America it is time for Europe again. And as Engaland has not had anything since 1966, I pointed this out.

"The chancellor was really interested and we would certainly support such a project."

Johansson was here to launch his campaign to stand for re-election as UEFA president.

He believes he has to stand for the post because no-one else is willing to speak up for his footballing beliefs.

The Swede is competing with former France player Michel Platini for the role, which will be decided at the UEFA Congress in Germany in January.

Johansson said: "Why give in when you feel that you are fit and you are able to stay.

"It is not something that I begged for. But nobody else stood up to give an alternative to my opponent. So I have to do it.

"I have to protect what I and my colleagues have established through the years."

"I am very proud that the members of the UEFA executive committee have never been accused of any bribery or misbehaviour. I want it remain that way.

"I also believe in a presidency of a democratic type and not a dictator relying on himself to take decisions on his own."

Johansson is convinced his experience makes him the right man for the job but he determined not to become embroiled in any public disputes with Platini during the campaign, for the good of the sport.

"You must understand he (Platini) is a colleague of mine, sitting in the executive commitee. He was an excellent footballer, he won many trophies on the pitch and he was involved in organizing the World Cup in 1998.

"To start criticising and questioning the motives of a man who has already been here (London) to give his views is not right. I try to do a direct campaign myself."

Johansson has been in charge of UEFA since 1990 and this forthcoming four-year term would be the last time he is allowed to hold the post.

While Platini believes the leading European nations like England, Italy, Spain and Germany should have only three clubs each in the Champions League, Johansson is keen to maintain the status quo which allows four from each country.

"There are five big countries in Europe which give us our main incomes. It makes sense that the ones which generate the resources be represented in the way they are. It's a compromise to other alternatives," he said.

"Without them, we would never have the possibilities to give so much to the development of grassroots football."