The Three Lions have conducted their training sessions on a similar turf in Altrincham town in Manchester as to get used to playing on such a surface.

"It is a flat pitch and there is absolutely no excuse," McClaren was quoted as saying by BBC Sport on Monday.

The former Middlesbrough boss has also stated that researches proved there is no difference between the artificial surface and the grass one.

England defender Rio Ferdinand shares McClaren's view, saying that there will be no excuse for any possible slip-up.

"We won't be making any excuses - everyone has had to go there and play on it," the Manchester United man said.

"We are under no illusions as to how difficult the game will be but we are going there aiming to win it."

England can book their place in Europe's greatest showpiece if they beat Russia while a draw would leave them needing a point against Croatia in the last match in November.