England World Cup base to be ready in time

Rio de Janeiro, April 26 (IANS) Brazilian sports minister Aldo Rebelo has vowed that England's FIFA World Cup training base here will be ready in time before the team arrives June 8.

The venue - a Brazilian military academy in the beachside neighbourhood of Urca - is still undergoing refurbishment at its media centre, dressing rooms and pitch. But Rebelo guaranteed preparations were on track "to meet England's high standards", reports Xinhua.

"We are making sure that all the World Cup training centres are ready to receive the teams, media and tourists. The Urca military base is a reference for others and is well prepared for the England team," Rebelo said.

England have been drawn in Group D alongside Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Roy Hodgson's team will begin their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus June 14.

Rebelo insisted that despite concerns over construction delays at stadia and airports, the country will be ready for the June 12-July 13 event.