England's World Cup fate could rest in German hands during their crucial game against Slovenia.
Fifa confirms officials and prevent pre-match session at stadium
England's World Cup future could rest in German hands with Wolfgang Stark to take charge of the crucial game against Slovenia.
Fifa announced on Monday that the German referee had been appointed for Wednesday's game, which England need to win to be sure of reaching the second round.
The 40-year-old, from Bavaria, is vastly experienced having refereed games in the German top flight since 1994 and the Champions League since 2001.
Stark's assistants for the match in Port Elizabeth are compatriots Jan-Hendrik Salver and Mike Pickel, and the trio have so far taken charge of Argentina's opener against Nigeria.
England have also had to revise their training plans ahead of the game after being told by Fifa they will not be able to train in the stadium the day before the game.
Pitch problems
Problems with the pitch at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium have been apparent throughout the tournament and in a bid to protect the surface, Fifa has declared that neither England nor Slovenia can train there.
England are yet to confirm their alternative plans but are expected to remain at their Rustenburg base in the morning and train there before catching a later flight to Port Elizabeth for the pre-match media engagements.
Although it is a late change to their plans, coach Fabio Capello may be grateful as it reduces the chance of his final training session being watched by intruders, as was the case before England's previous group games against the USA and Algeria.
Capello is expected to make personnel and tactical changes for the final group game and the final session could give away vital clues to his starting line-up, with many clamouring for the introduction of Joe Cole and for Wayne Rooney to be deployed as a lone striker.
