World Cup

[monks data]

Attendance: 39,800

World Cup | Group Stage

Jun 14, 2014 at 11pm UK

England
1-2
Italy

Sturridge (37')

FT(HT: 1-1)

Marchisio (35'), Balotelli (50')

Roy Hodgson cautious over conditions in Manaus

By Jack Prescott, Rugby Editor | 10 June 2014

England manager Roy Hodgson advises caution when it comes to the conditions that his players will face in their World Cup opener against Italy.

England manager Roy Hodgson has advised caution over the conditions that his players will face in Manaus for their World Cup opener against Italy.

The Three Lions, who are based in Rio de Janeiro, will travel to the city on Thursday, where the heat is expected to exceed 30 degrees celsius.

Hodgson and his players will then spend two days preparing for the match before facing the Italians on Saturday at the Arena Amazonia.

"A lot has been spoken about the conditions in Manaus. We will have to see what it brings. Let's see when we get there about how much conservation of energy will be necessary," he is quoted as saying by BBC Sport.

"We try to win every game and keeping possession of the ball is important. You need to move things around but we will be hoping possession leads somewhere."

England last met Italy in the quarter-finals of the 2012 European Championship, when they were beaten on penalties following a goalless draw.