England's matches are usually over-subscribed but World Cup organisers will hand over any unsold tickets from their rivals in the group games to be sold through the official England supporters' club 'englandfans'.

England face Algeria, Slovenia and the USA in their World Cup group.

An FA spokesman said: "We are currently processing all the applications and will communicate to our official 'englandfans' whether they've been successful in due course."

The packages being sold through the FA are for all group games and the knockout stages, and it is understood the demand for tickets may exceed supply for the first knockout match, if England make it that far.

According to figures provided by FIFA, 22,479 tickets for the three matches have been snapped up through 'englandfans' while another 5,400 are being distributed to clubs and organisations through the FA.

A further 48,184 tickets for the whole tournament have been bought in the UK via the general public sale on FIFA's website, and a third phase of the general sale will begin on February 9.

That means so far 76,063 World Cup tickets have been sold in Britain - more than any other country apart from the USA which has led the way in general sales.

FIFA said the new distribution system aimed to cut out fans being forced to look to black market tickets.

A FIFA spokesman said: "We are trying to ensure that the real fans can access tickets through official sources and at the official price."