. . .AND PITCH WAS AWFUL, TOO.

TORRENTIAL rain an hour before kick-off was just what Wembley's overworked ground staff did not need. Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was scathing of the pitch after his side's training session and when England's most important home game for six years began on a bog -- not for the first time Wembley's commercial interests shouldered the blame. Three weeks ago Miami Dolphins and New York Giants, lumbered back and forth across the turf, breaking up the surface and causing irreparable damage. It was a factor which did not escape Bilic. 'The pitch here is not good,' he observed. 'It is not in the condition Wembley used to be and is known for. 'It is no good for us -- and it is definitely no good for England, because they like to pass the ball as well. 'This stadium and this match deserves a better pitch. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]