School gives England pitch boost

Uefa have given Russia permission to play the tie on an artificial surface at the Luzhniki Stadium on 17 October.

And the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College boasts the only exact replica of the Moscow pitch.

"For our school to play a part in helping England qualify is marvellous," said headmaster John Cornally.

"Lessons might be difficult that day but what we don't want to do is get in the way of the important thing, which is for the England team to train without any interruptions or distractions.

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"In exchange for a few autographs and signed shirts, we will make sure that happens."

The pitch is a concern for England head coach Steve McClaren ahead of the match against the Russians, although it is not the same type of synthetic surface used by the likes of QPR and Luton in the 1980s.

Cornally added: "Some commentators talk about a plastic pitch. It is patently not that. It is absolutely state of the art."

England beat Russia 3-0 at Wembley on 12 September and are currently second in qualifying Group E - one place and two points ahead of Guus Hiddink's side.

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