Failure to qualify for World Cup could cost England 2bn

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England's failure to qualify for the World Cup could cost the British economy up to two billion pounds, it was reported here on Tuesday.

The FA has been warned of a commercial "disaster" if the squad's campaign fails, with losses of up to 50 million pounds in potential prize cash, merchanding sales, and sponsorship deals.

But this would be dwarfed by the knock-on effect for the broader economy - pubs, supermarkets, airlines, bookmakers and TV retailers could expect a huge boost in revenues from England's participation in the World Cup.

The British Retail Consortium estimated that qualification to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was worth 1 billion. However, some economists say the "feel good" factor generated if England have a good run could boost the value of qualification to 2 billion pounds.

A defeat in Tuesday night's away game to Ukraine would mean England could face a daunting play-off to reach next year's tournament.

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