The world governing body have confirmed the hosts for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be decided at the same time - but have not put any block on countries bidding for both.

At one point it was felt FIFA would state only bids from European countries would be accepted for 2018 - which would have offered a big lift for England, who have already declared their intention to lodge an application.

However, FIFA had started to move away from that position and have now formally decided to accept bids from countries for two competitions at the same time.

It means potential hosts such as Australia and China could go for both.

Europe is still expected to land 2018, but the presence of countries outside UEFA in the bidding process could split a complicated voting structure and potentially squeeze England out.

"England is a strong candidate, because it is a strong country in football," said Blatter.

"They are strong. But there are other candidates that are strong as well; Spain is also strong - and if you look at all the candidates you see that the fight is open."

Apart from 1982 hosts Spain, Russia and a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg are also expected - with Australia, Qatar, China, Japan, Mexico, the United States and Canada also hinting at applications.

Football Association chairman Lord Triesman is in Tokyo to meet key FIFA figures, with the political work moving up a further notch next month when 2018 bid chief executive Andy Anson takes up his full-time post.

Bid registration forms will be issued by FIFA from next month, with the decisions on who hosts which tournaments to take place in December 2010.

Having not hosted a World Cup since 1966, England should be among the favourites.

But arguments between England's main powers have undermined the desire for a united front, while doubts have also been raised over the amount the Government are willing to contribute - given the level of funds that have been washing around in the sport thanks to massively increased TV deals.

Triesman said: "FIFA's announcement effectively sets the ball rolling on the whole process and so this marks the start of an intense but exciting period. We'll be officially registering our intent at the earliest opportunity in the new year.

"The bid strategy will continue to focus on a presentation that prepares England for a tournament in 2018 but the team will now study today's announcement to ensure complete understanding of the process required by FIFA and the wider option available.

"The announcement of a dual process doesn't affect our planning at all.

"Our mission is to ensure we have the support of everyone around the country so the world knows that England not only has the infrastructure to stage a tournament but also the enthusiasm to make it the best possible event in World Cup history."

Meanwhile, FIFA have confirmed a British Olympic football team can compete at the 2012 Games in London - without having any effect on the individual status of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

So far, the Celtic countries have refused to entertain the prospect of a united team - believing it would undermine the argument for each country having its own status in FIFA.

Organisers will hope FIFA's decision will trigger a rethink, although Scotland in particular are dubious about the wisdom of such a move on a longer-term basis.

FIFA now intend to speak with all four countries to get their thoughts on whether a British team should participate in 2012 - and if so, how it will be composed.

In a further clamp-down on movement of junior players, every transfer of a player under the age of 18 must now be submitted to a sub-committee of the players' status committee.

It remains to be seen what kind of stance the sub-committee takes on such matters. But it could be interesting - given the increasing number of players leaving their homelands, particularly in Africa - for overseas clubs.