FIFPro critical of Manuas pitch quality

Global players' union FIFPro has added to criticism of the poor conditions of the pitch on which England will kick off their World Cup campaign.

Grass at the Amazonia Arena in Manuas, which will host Saturday night's clash between the Three Lions and Italy, is threadbare and discoloured in places.

"The players deserve a quality playing surface and conditions that reflect what is meant to be the world's premier football event," FIFPro said in a statement. "This is simply not the case in Manaus. Nobody wants to see the players and the spectacle in general suffer."

The stadium will host four games in total across the duration of the tournament.