updated 2:02 p.m. ET Jan. 10, 2008

LONDON - David Beckham wants to help England in its bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

The former England captain met with Gordon Brown on Thursday and expressed interest in becoming a bid ambassador to the British Prime Minister.

“I was proud to be involved in 2012 and being involved in 2018 is something I would be very interested in, too,” the Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder said. “Being English, to bring the World Cup back to England would be something really special and I would be honored to be involved in that.”

The 32-year-old Beckham, who had a one-hour private meeting with Brown at 10 Downing Street on Tuesday, gave the prime minister a guided tour of his east London soccer academy on Thursday.

Beckham played a role in promoting London’s successful bid for the 2012 Olympics. Brown has spoken in support of England hosting the 2018 showpiece.

“David Beckham is known in every part of the world,” Brown said. “It’s a matter for the FA (Football Association), but I’m sure David Beckham will be associated with every big sports campaign that happens in this country because of his reputation, and because of the fame and the respect he has worldwide.”

Beckham is training with Premier League leader Arsenal to get fit for the Major League Soccer season in the United States.

Brown said he hoped Beckham’s healthy lifestyle would be emulated by British children, with his deeds on the field inspiring them to play sport.

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“You don’t have to be brilliant at sport to benefit from this and you can see what the kids are taking in about nutrition, diet and fitness,” Brown said.

Beckham said 20,000 children attended the academy for free through their schools. The government target for children is five hours of activity a week in schools.

“It’s the key to a fit nation, the key to a competitive nation and the key to an Olympic nation,” Brown said.

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