Roof will remain closed for rescheduled Poland v England World Cup qualifier

The closed roof at the National Stadium in Warsaw (GETTY IMAGES)

The Football Association has confirmed that the stadium roof will be closed for this afternoon's World Cup qualifier between England and Poland in Warsaw.

The failure to close the roof yesterday caused huge controversy following a day-long deluge which forced the match to be postponed for 20 hours.

The roof was eventually closed after the match was called off, but opened again earlier today to take advantage of the bright and sunny conditions in an attempt to dry the playing service.

England coaches Ray Lewington, Gary Neville and Dave Watson attended a meeting at the National Stadium today, where it was confirmed the roof would be closed at 12.30pm (BST) and remain that way for the rest of the day.

Officials have described the pitch as "no better than okay" after coach Roy Hodgson expressed his concern last night.

Today's match is due to start at 4pm (BST).

PA