England match called off due to rain

The World Cup qualifier between Poland and England in Group H has been called off due to several hours of non-stop rain in Warsaw.

Heavy rain had been forecast during the day but Polish authorities decided against closing the roof of the National Stadium, while the downpour and intense winds have prevented the roof being closed since the weather became so treacherous.

Roy Hodgson’s men were coming into the game on the back of seven points from their opening three games of the qualification stage, while the home side have four points from their first two outings.

The match was due to kick off at 8pm GMT, but after an initial delay the referee proceeded to test the pitch’s state by throwing a ball to the ground in various areas, but each time the bounce was minimal.

FIFA had hoped to start the match at some point, but after a further pitch inspection at 8:45pm GMT it was decided play could not go ahead.

The match has been rescheduled for 4pm GMT on Wednesday despite Poland’s reported unwillingness to have it played so soon.