Franz Beckenbauer said yesterday that he believed Germany and England should co-host the 2006 World Cup and end their growing rivalry. The former German national captain and coach is leading his country's 2006 bid.

"Why not? But it would face problems as FIFA would not be in favour. They were not very happy about having to choose Japan and South Korea for 2002," he said. The rival English and German campaigns both have big stands at the Football Expo '98 fair in Singapore where Beckenbauer is lobbying for support. Beckenbauer said both countries were "wasting money" and added that it would probably end with both failing when the international governing body takes a decision. "It will split the European vote and South Africa will get the 2006 cup if it goes on like this," said the coach, who is now president of German club side Bayern Munich.

South Africa have not yet made a formal bid for the 2006 finals and their officials have hinted that 2010 is more likely. But Brazil and Argentina have spoken unofficially about an attempt.

Beckenbauer said the dispute would only end when UEFA, the European football body, "chooses one of the two nations and decides to put its weight behind one of them. I hope it will be Germany."