The Arena Amazonia in Manaus looks fantastic. We are almost ready to go. The England staff and players will no doubt be aware of Costa Rica's stunning win by now.

If you missed any of that one check out the match report on the BBC Sport website.

Former Italy and Chelsea striker Gianluca Vialli:

"I wouldn't be surprised if it was a draw but drawing is better than losing, for sure.

"I think we've got a very good team, especially defensively.

"In the midfield, the engine room, we've got (Andrea) Pirlo - one of the top five midfielders - and Daniele de Rossi. We're absolutely covered and we'll be able to dictate the game.

"What we need one of our strikers to really play well and score goals to win us games."

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Manaus

Image source, AFP

"Just one section of the upper tier of the Arena Amazonia remains out of the shade. Temperatures are hot but not scorching.

"The climb to the press box is a testing one - but staff at the stadium are kindly distributing ice cold bottles of water to help us through the last leg of the journey.

"England's goalkeepers are out warming up and received a great reception from the travelling fans who have made the trek to Manaus. The usual array of flags are ringed around the top tier of the Arena Amazonia bowl. Wherever England play, plenty of fans find a way to follow them."

Andrea Pirlo captains Italy this evening. Will Danny Welbeck be asked to 'do a job' on him and shut him down at source? He murdered England two years ago...

Housemates James Dally and Martin Westley are eating and drinking their way through the World Cup, matching up produce from each nation to each game.

They started today's feast with a round of Colombian coffees and Greek kebabs before lining up Uruguayan mandarins and a Costa Rican pineapple, finished off with some bitter and Peronis.

Do these guys know how to party or what?

Don't forget you can tweet us your view on #myworldcupseat., external

BBC Radio 5 live

For those out and about or without access to a television screen, don't fear, there are still plenty of ways to keep right across England's opener.

You can listen to full commentary on BBC Radio 5 live from Mike Ingham, Alan Green and former England defender Danny Mills from 2300 BST, followed by match reaction and analysis. There is also build-up the match from 22:00 BST.

Why not listen to BBC Radio 5's commentary while following the live text commentary on the BBC Sport website. You can access the radio commentary, and a live stream of the match, by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of the page.

It is also worth signing up to the push alerts on the BBC Sport app. This allows you to stay up-to-date with the line-ups, the goals, the half-time and full-time score for every team in the World Cup.

England have five survivors from the meeting between these two sides in Euro 2012, and Italy have four.

At least it can't go to penalties tonight...

As expected, Gigi Buffon is out for Italy as Andrea Pirlo takes the captain's armband.

Italy: Sirigu, Chiellini, Darmian, Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli, Barzagli, De Rossi, Paletta, Pirlo (c), Verratti

We are an hour away from kick-off and the England line-up is confirmed.

Image source, BBC Sport

Chris Waddle
BBC Radio 5 live

"I was so disappointed with Uruguay. They didn't work hard use the ball well. Diego Forlan looks a 20-minute man now.

"They've got big problems. If Luis Suarez is fit they've got a chance but at the moment you have to fear Costa Rica more than Uruguay."

Stunning result in Group D.

Uruguay have finished with 10 men and zero points as Costa Rica come from behind to win. And without Paulo Wanchope too.

So the time is almost upon us, but how can you follow England's World Cup opener against Italy I hear you ask?

You can watch the match live on BBC One with the programme starting at 22:20 BST featuring all the team news, build-up and pre-match interviews.

You can also watch live on the BBC Sport website by clicking on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

For those wanting an alternative view of the action, keep an eye for 'player cam' and 'tactical cam' on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

David, Scotland: Our "psychic" Jack Russell, Daisy, predicted a Costa Rica victory (ate Uruguay's gravy bone). Also predicted Netherlands win against Spain and an England victory... new Paul the Octopus?

You can now watch pre-match build-up live from Manaus at the top of the screen.

Just click on the 'live coverage' tab and you can see all the incoming shots from the stadium.

If you've heard the alliterative phrase 'heat and humidity' 50 times in the last month, I wouldn't be surprised.

The buzzwords around Manaus have been about how England will cope tonight, and the BBC weather report suggests that we are looking at temperatures of 28C and 'a humid evening, with largely clear skies.'

Roy Hodgson has all but confirmed that England line-up but we should get full team news from both camps shortly.

How you all doing out there? We are 70 minutes away from kick-off.

BBC Sport Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty in Manaus

"The media room in Manaus is a hive of activity ahead of England v Italy - and plenty of eyes on the screens watching Costa Rica against Uruguay."

So do we Roy, so do we....

England manager Roy Hodgson says his team selection against Italy is based on pace and team work.

Speaking to BBC Sport inside the Arena Amazonia in Manaus a few moments ago, Hodgson added: "Pace is a weapon but that has got to be combined with skill and good team work. If we can play as well as we can then sure, pace will play a part and can help us.

"It seemed exciting when I managed at the 1994 World Cup (with Switzerland) but I suppose that excitement is heightened by the fact I'm managing my country this time. I'm excited and proud to be leading the team. England against Italy is one of the ties of the group stages and I hope it lives up to its billing."

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger:, external England's first game tonight, wishing them the best of luck - go England!

Boxer George Groves:, external England to beat Italy 5-1.. Maybe. Definitely.

Broadcaster David Baddiel:, external Feel the "no expectation this time" about England has now become an expectation that we will do well because there's no expectation.