England game won't be played behind closed doors

London is set to grind to a halt this evening with tube workers beginning a 48-hour strike,
The strike will have a massive impact on travel, with England's Group Six qualifier among the worst affected.

Wembley has always encouraged fans to travel on the tube network, but the FA has refused to alter their plans in the face of what is certain to be major disruption if the strike goes ahead.

"The game will kick off at 8.15 as planned tomorrow," Watmore confirmed.

"It will not, repeat not, be played behind closed doors."

The FA took the decision last week to halt ticket sales at 70,000 for tomorrow's game and have held discussions with Brent Council and the Metropolitan Police to find the best way to deal with the situation.

"Since the threat of a tube strike started last week we have worked very co-operatively with all those parties involved," Watmore added. "I'd like to thank them for their help.

"Supporters should plan to travel as early as possible. The turnstiles will now open earlier, at 5.45pm, to limit disruption.

"Supporters attending should be prepared that, due to the planned industrial action, travelling in London will not be straightforward, and they should expect a disrupted journey."

Watmore confirmed there will be no park-and-ride facilities, and warned car parking at the Wembley site is severely restricted.

"We are advised that no additional transport will be available on the evening and trains will not be stopping at the Wembley overground station," he said.

"Given the strike, the journey home will be difficult, and supporters should make their own arrangements and not rely on public transport."

He added: "As as special measure, refunds will be made available to all ticket holders who decide not to attend this game.

"We are obviously disappointed that our supporters are going to be inconvenienced in this way.

"We looked at all the options and this is the best way of putting it on."