Former Liverpool and England winger Barnes, along with the iconic figure of Beckham, is the FA choice to sway the 24-man FIFA executive.

The Daily Express has been told that Lord Triesman has been nominated as the chairman of the 2018 World Cup bid and that Beckham could become one of the ambassadors. 

However, the surprise name as a joint ambassador is that of Barnes. 

John Barnes is a charismatic figure when it comes to the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. They are the regions of world football where John’s a well-known figure, far above anybody else

An insider

An insider informed the Daily Express last night: “John Barnes is a charismatic figure when it comes to the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa. They are the regions of world football where John’s a well-known figure, far above anybody else.”