GLENN HODDLE has revealed how England's footballers escaped a bid to assassinate them at the 1998 World Cup in France.

The former England coach recalled being told of a plot to "blow up" the England bench - which included Michael Owen and David Beckham - during his side's opening match against Tunisia in Marseille.

Former Football Association executive director David Davies confirmed Hoddle's claims as he admitted England faced "a major security problem" at the tournament.

Hoddle told the Daily Express: "There had been lots of trouble on the streets on the night before. I didn't know at the time but I was told years later that certain people were trying to blow up the England bench.

"I know nothing more than that. It didn't cross my mind that something like that was happening."

Davies, the FA head of communications at the time, said he was informed of concerns before England's first match.

He added: "Sir Brian Hayes was the FA's appointed head of security during the World Cup finals in France and before the opening match in Marseille, he alerted us to the possibility of a major security problem.

"We knew that the England team had been targeted but not the specifics. But I know we had security concerns in Marseille."

England ended up beating Tunisia 2-0, thanks to goals from Alan Shearer and Paul Scholes.

Hoddle's side eventually exited the competition in the second round, losing on penalties against Argentina after the match had finished 2-2 following extra-time.