Elton's letter to Tawfiq

Sir Elton John CBE (Commander of the British Empire) has sent a letter to Tawfiq Aziz Khan, a noted journalists and commentator of Bangladesh. However, the letter of the legendary British singer came for different reason.

Sir Elton, who has joined England's campaign for the 2006 World Cup football, wrote this letter recently while forwarding the latest brochure published by the bid committee. The campaign is titled 'The Stage is Set'.

The publication, which is brought out by the Football Association on behalf of the England 2006 FIFA World Cup Bid Committee, reveals that it has Her Majesty the Queen as its Patron and His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent as the President.

In the brochure Sir John writes, "Lille music, football can quicken the pulse. Great concerts, great games- you never forget them. I was only a teenager when the last World Cup was played in England. Today, England has everything it takes to stage a major international tournament- above all, the best football stadiums in the world."

In his letter to Khan, Sir Elton writes: "Football is England's number one sport and our venues are designed and built especially for the game. They are designed for playing football, for watching football and for enjoying football in a clean, safe, friendly and modern environment ... of course it's not just bricks and concrete that make great football venues. English stadiums have no fences, no running tracks and are all-seater. Fans aren't just spectators, they are close to the action, creating an atmosphere in which football's stars can really shine. Great venues mean great football."

The brilliantly produced brochure is designed to promote knowledge and understanding of English football all over the world. In conclusion Sir Elton writes: "With over $1 billion invested in stadium development in the last decade alone and with even more to come, England offers more than just a promise of great facilities in 2006. In England great Venues are already here for you to see and experience. In England the Stage is really set."

The slogan for the bid: Welcoming the world of football to the home of football, could not have been better.