Boris Johnson lends charm to World Cup bid

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The Mayor has agreed to attend the vote at Fifa's headquarters in Zurich at the request of bid leaders, who want to make the most of his international appeal.

He will attend with two City Hall aides and remain for the vote, sharing media duties with other ambassadors such as David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard. A bid win could enhance his chances in the 2012 mayoral elections and would trigger a big economic boost to the capital, which would have up to three World Cup stadiums.

The Mayor's attendance underlines the political will to win the biggest prize in world sport, with Prime Minister David Cameron flying in for last-minute lobbying before the December 2 vote. The Mayor is said to have a good rapport with Fifa president Sepp Blatter, and the pair shared a joke in Latin at a recent City Hall reception.

The bid process reaches an important stage on Friday when Fifa publishes its technical evaluations of the bids, which is expected to produce a glowing report for England.

However, Russia remains the favourite because of the potential for profound social and economic change in hosting a first World Cup in eastern Europe.