England to inspect state of Manaus pitch

England will send a member of their backroom staff to inspect the state of the Manaus pitch that will host their opening World Cup game against Italy on Saturday.

Pictures emerged on Wednesday of the playing surface in a poor condition, appearing to be very dry and revealing large yellowing areas of turf.

According to PA, FIFA have said that the problems had been caused by "excessive use of fertiliser", and that an expert will oversee treatment between now and kickoff.

However, England want to be fully prepared for what awaits them and Roy Hodgson will have one of his assistants investigate the Arena Amazonia before reporting back to him on Thursday.

The head groundsman of the Manaus facility has admitted that the turf is "in bad shape".