Russia v England
UEFA European Championship Qualifier
4pm, Wednesday 17 October 2007
Luzhny Stadium
Live on Sky Sports

England have been given a helping hand by the Football Foundation as they prepare for next month's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia.

The Three Lions will meet Guus Hiddink's side on an artificial surface at the Luzhny Stadium on October 17 and Steve McClaren has located an exact replica at the Blessed Thomas Holford Catholic College in Altrincham.

England will use the £1million state-of-the-art facility, which was part funded with Football Foundation money, before flying out to Moscow and the school's headmaster John Cornally is thrilled to assist McClaren's men.

"It is absolutely fantastic," he said. "For our school to be able to play a part in helping England qualify is marvellous.

"Lessons might be difficult that day and we may have to be flexible in that regard 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.

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

McClaren visited the college this summer to examine facilities which were opened by Sir Bobby Charlton following a four-year campaign for funding by head of sport Caroline Pearson.

Even though she suffered numerous rejections, in the end Pearson was able to secure 58 per cent funding from the Football Foundation - the UK's largest sport charity to which The FA contributes £15m per year.

Trafford Borough Council paid another 32 per cent, with the school itself providing the balance for a pitch which has been used by Altrincham FC, Sale Sharks, plus the local community on a daily basis.

Unlike the old style 'plastic pitches' which were installed at QPR and Luton in the 1980s, the modern synthetic surface is rubber-based 'field turf', which scientists claim actually provides energy for the legs rather than saps it.

"Some commentators talk about a plastic pitch," said Cornally.

"Well it is patently not that. It is absolutely state-of-the-art and testament to all the hard work that has been done here, particularly by Caroline Pearson.

"Through her energy and her vision, she has brought all this to fruition. It is great to have some national recognition with the England team coming down here."