Manaus pitch concerns grow ahead of England vs Italy World Cup clash

Images have emerged showing the playing surface in extremely poor condition with just three days remaining before the Group D opener

Poor condition: Images have emerged of the pitch at the Amazonia Arena

Fears are growing over the state of the Manaus pitch, the venue for England's World Cup opener.

Both the Three Lions and Italy are set to take the field in the rainforest in just three days time for the first game of Group D.

But images have arisen of the playing surface at the Amazonia Arena in extremely poor condition.

The grass looks particularly dry and there appear to be yellow lines across it. One of the goal areas is also said to be extremely bare.

The 46,000-seater stadium itself is fully functional but is not yet completely finished.

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Race against time: England take on Italy in Manaus in just three days time

 

Reports suggest that final painting and security measures still be need to completed leaving organisers with a race against time.

Such is the extreme nature of the weather conditions in the region it is said to be especially difficult to maintain a good playing surface.

The pitch itself has apparently been undergoing emergency repairs over the past few months due to the seriously undernourished grass.

The news will come as a blow to Roy Hodgson as he looks to make final adjustments ahead of Saturday's clash.

But former Three Lions star Gary Lineker believes the team must use the conditions, no matter how difficult, to their advantage.

Lineker, who grabbed the Golden Boot back in Mexico in 1986, said: "The pitch in Manaus may be poor, but England must believe it's to their advantage.

"Give a player an excuse and he'll use it. Love the pitch".