German backing: England's rivals have no qualms about the poppy

'I cannot imagine we would have any objection to the idea of England's players having poppies on their shirts. It just wouldn't be a problem to us. It wouldn't be an issue.'

Undeterred, FIFA stamped down again and insisted they will not budge, despite the growing fury following Sportsmail's exclusive story last Saturday.

The FA has gone to the extent of preparing a poppy embroidered Umbro kit, but will not wear it without a late FIFA turn-around.

England will instead take to the field at Wembley wearing black armbands and with the poppies adorning the tracksuit tops for the national anthems and one-minute silence before the game.

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