by Renee Israel
A new cold war is brewing between East and West as the bidding battle to host the 2018 FIFA World Cup heats up.
The President of FIFA, Sepp Blatter has hinted that the choice may come down to his two preferred bidders - England and Russia, and the scenario of these two superpowers becoming the final two bidders is becoming more realistic by the day.
Australia as a choice has already fallen by the wayside, and FIFA is probably going to choose a European country this time around.
Odds for England become the next successful host currently stand at 11/10, making them the favourites.
Russia follows at 15/8, with the chances of Spain and Portugal being logged at 3/1 and Belgium and Holland at 12/1.
The United States have a small chance at 14/1.
"Since 1994, FIFA have seemingly alternated between taking the World Cup into new territories like the USA and South Africa with more traditional football countries such as Germany and Brazil," said a spokesman for Paddy Power, Darren Haines.
"Will they opt for the traditional market of England in 2018 or step into another frontier with Russian?" he mused. "The betting currently suggests football could finally be coming home."
And who will be captain of the 2018 team? Odds of 5/1 have been placed on Wayne Rooney, followed by 15/2 on Joe Hart.
2018 World Cup Odds at Paddy Power:
11/10 England
15/8 Russia
3/1 Spain and Portugal
12/1 Holland and Belgium
14/1 USA
