There were 13 arrests and a man was stabbed during serious rioting that was reported around the world.

As the violence was an isolated incident, officials do not believe that it has caused any harm to England's position as favourite to be awarded the 2018 World Cup.

But they know that any more such scenes will be exploited by England's main rivals, who include a joint bid from Spain and Portugal, Russia, Australia and the United States.

Anson said: "We were all upset to see what happened and we've got to make sure it doesn't happen again.

"If there was a repeat, it would be damaging."

Michel Platini, the President of UEFA, defended England's bid after the violence and said that the country had made enormous strides in stamping out the problems that used to blight the sport in the 1970s and 1980s, culminating in the death of 35 Juventus fans at the 1985 European Cup final in Brussels when Liverpool fans rioted.

Anson said: "It was encouraging to hear to what UEFA and FIFA said, recognising that England has done an awful lot to address this problem over the years.

"Michael Platini has been consistent in his praise of English fans.

"He loves the football atmosphere and culture over here."

Anson acknowledged that this is the most competitive ever race to host a World Cup tournament.

Also bidding are Indonesia, Japan, Mexico and another joint bid from Holland and Belgium.

Qatar and South Korea are bidding for just the 2022 World Cup, which will be chosen by FIFA's ruling Executive Committee at the same time as the 2018 event at a meeting on December 2, 2010. 

Anson said: "There are 11 countries ultimately bidding and they are just as desperate to win as we are.

"That makes it incredibly challenging and that's why we cannot be complacent."

Bookmakers have made England, whose bid is being supported by a range of high-profile ambassadors, including David Beckham (pictured), the favourites to host the event for the first time since 1966.

Anson said: "Any talk about England being favourites is slightly misplaced because it's so competitive.

"I don't think we are going to be the only ones who feel really passionate about winning.

"It's going to be an incredibly tough race and that's why we have to work extra hard to make sure our messages are very clear."

Anson, the former commercial director of Manchester United, is pinning his hopes on FIFA wanting to return to Europe for 2018.

He said: "We [England] are a very attractive commercial proposition, we have great stadiums in this country, and an overseas legacy programme would have a huge impact.
 

"A safe pair of hands can quite often be a negative thing but to be viewed as someone who is reliable with great facilities, great infrastructure, and great stadiums is a very positive thing.
 

"There are challenges with the next two World Cups.

"FIFA have been very adventurous in going to South Africa [for 2010] and Brazil [2014] and I think that we have the infrastructure in place where we can deliver a World Cup much more easily."


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