England game postponed after waterlogged pitch in Poland

Roy Hodgson tests the pitch in Warsaw in heavy rain. Credit: Press Association

England's World Cup qualifier against Poland has been rearranged for 4pm tomorrow UK time after massive rainfall caused tonight's match to be postponed.

Heavy rain had been falling in Warsaw for most of the day and massive pools of water had appeared on the pitch long before the game was due to start.

Italian referee Gianluca Rocci inspected the National Stadium pitch at 9pm (8pm UK time), by which time it already seemed the cause was hopeless.

However, it was decided to wait another 45 minutes before making a final decision. Officials said it was too dangerous to close the Stadium's retractable roof.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi tests the waterlogged pitch. Credit: Press Association

In the end though, with rain continuing to fall, there was no chance of the game being played properly, with coach Roy Hodgson expressing some doubt over its fitness for the game to be played as planned tomorrow.

Roy Hodgson on the pitch before the match is officially called off. Credit: Press Association

The England boss added he was happy with the rescheduled time:

Roy Hodgson tests the Warsaw pitch. Credit: Press Association
England players leave Poland's National Stadium in Warsaw after the game is called off. Credit: Press Association
Stewards chase a pitch invader across the waterlogged pitch in Warsaw as play is delayed. Credit: Press Association.