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Pitch battle

The pitch in Manaus is in a bit of a state

The heat and humidity might not be the only problem for England and Italy on Saturday.

Brazil Soccer WCup AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

WAYNE ROONEY PLAYED down concerns about the pitch in Manaus after pictures revealed some threadbare patches – just two days before the first game is played there.

England kick off their World Cup against Italy in the Arena Amazonia on Saturday night and Rooney insisted: ”It’s the same for ourselves and Italy, so we’ll both have to deal with that.”

A member of England’s backroom team is set to inspect the pitch when the squad arrives in Manaus later today, with both sides set to train at the stadium on Friday.

The photos taken by the Associated Press show brown and barren patches, particularly around one of the goalmouths.

The Arena Amazonia, which was constructed last year, is due to host four World Cup games.

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Brazil Soccer WCup AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

– Additional reporting by AFP

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