Richard Caborn has backed Lineker as an ideal front man for England’s bid.
Lineker wrote in his Mail On Sunday column: “It hasn’t escaped my notice that I have been put forward in several quarters as a potential figurehead for England’s 2018 World Cup bid.
“As flattering as that may be, I don’t want anyone to be misled. Even if asked – and I haven’t been – I would not be able to play a prominent role in the bid because of my full-time commitments for the BBC.
“Having little interest or experience in being a political animal, I think I’d be better off assisting where I can, rather than being the front man for such a huge campaign.
“While I am happy to play a supporting role, I am not the Lord Coe some people are looking for.”
He added: “There are concerns with how the bid has gone so far – the apparent in-fighting that has seen people moved up, down and sideways on various committees is clearly not helpful.
“I am not privy to what has gone on but it would be a crying shame if all the advantages that our bid enjoys are overshadowed by power struggles and egos getting in the way.
“Everyone should remember this is about winning the right to host the 2018 World Cup, not who gets a knighthood.”
