FIFA vice president Geoff Thompson has joined the team leading England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup, following a major overhaul of the executive board.

A number of members, including sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe, have stood down as part of efforts to streamline the executive board, which now boasts just seven members and aims to provide "focused leadership". Led by FA chair Lord Triesman, the executive board comprises Thompson; Premier League chair Dave Richards; London 2012 chief Sebastian Coe; outgoing Football League chair Lord Mawhinney and ex-footballer Paul Elliott, as well as chief executive Andy Anson.

Triesman said: "We've got to a point where the England 2018 campaign requires focus, determination and where everybody involved has a specific purpose to help us win the bid. "In our view, these changes reflect a positive development and send a loud message of an absolute determination to bring the World Cup tournament to England."

Meanwhile, the Premier League's 20 member clubs have pledged to back England's bid for the 2018 World Cup. Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "The Premier League's exposure combined with the Clubs' communications and marketing expertise will give England's bid a presence and impact around the world worth millions of pounds and will get their message out right across the world."