Former Arsenal striker Charlie George, one of the Double winning heroes of 1971, may be flown to the Middle East in an FA errand: to convince a number of powerful Arabs that England is the best candidate to host the World Cup in 2006.

The FA are convinced that a visit from George might swing a crucial vote or two England's way when FIFA make their decision, and the Tunisian ruling family are rumoured to be his biggest fans...

The story is almost as entertaining as the descriptions of a 70's hero made in 90's tabloid English. Charlie George is described by Soccernet as "the wild child", "the George Best of north London", "the mercurial maverick of an all-conquering Highbury ensemble", "the languid goalscoring playmaker", "the Arsenal rebel with the flowing locks", "the Gazza of his era" and "an unpredictable genius with ... a devilish streak of mischief". Phew.