[Berlin_Freeper]

"It is here now. All the distances and the miles we have covered, the heat preparation - we have done all that. There are no excuses now." - Gerrard

England must use counter-attack against Italy
The temperature in Manaus will play a part in how England perform and, sadly, so will the state of the pitch, which is not good.

[Berlin_Freeper]

England V Italy: Manaus Stadium Pitch Branded 'Unsuitable'
England striker Wayne Rooney is not fazed about the prospect of playing on such a dry pitch.

"We're not sure, but I think at the end of the day it's the same for ourselves and Italy so we'll both have to deal with that," he said.

His words were echoed by England goalkeeper Joe Hart, who said: "We've both got to play on it, whatever it is. I think they've worked day and night over here to make it the best it can be.

"We've got to appreciate we're playing in the jungle, so we'll take anything."