Albion could host World Cup football – providing England win the battle to stage FIFA’s under-20 tournament in 2017.

The Amex is one of ten stadia which form part of the FA’s bid for the competition. That list could then be reduced by FIFA if England are named as hosts in December.

Albion executive director Martin Perry has no doubts why the FA asked the club to be part of the bid.

He said: “It’s The Amex, it’s the south and it’s our ability to stage major events. It says everything about us. We think England is in with a good chance.”

Twelve nations put their names forward including France, the Republic of Ireland, Ukraine and Azerbaijan from Europe. The Amex is already scheduled to stage two matches on the opening weekend of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.