Vicious Arctic mosquitoes have swarmed the England team's hotel in Volgograd as authorities battle to wipe them out.
The blood-sucking insects descended on the Hilton Garden Hotel in the city centre as the England team arrived at their temporary accommodation on Sunday evening.
Sky reporter Kaveh Solhekol tweeted last night: “Just had to abort going live on Sky Sports News with seconds to spare because of invasion of flies outside England team hotel. Big problem here.”
Russian authorities have been struggling to get rid of the mosquitoes after they invaded the city en-masse in May.
Helicopters have been spraying insecticide over the stadium in a bid to fight the mosquitoes, while the England team have apparently stocked up on repellent.
The Arctic mosquitoes thrive in Volgograd, located in south west Russia, due to the city’s proximity to the River Volga and its warmer climate.
One resident told the Daily Mail: “The government tries [to remove the mosquitos] but they are not consistent so it is never resolved.”
The mosquitoes usually make way for midges in June, but the transition is yet to take place this year.
Researcher Lauren Culler told National Geographic: “There aren't a lot of animals for them to eat in the Arctic, so when they finally find one, they are ferocious.
“They are relentless. They do not stop. They just keep going after you.”
England fans were gathering in the city, formerly known as Stalingrad, ahead of the Three Lions’ opening match against Tunisia this evening.
Manager Gareth Southgate spoke of the history of the place and "very strong" ties between Britain and Russia on Sunday, and this was marked by England fans who laid a wreath at the city's memorial park.
The group, along with deputy British ambassador Lindsay Skoll, gathered in the Hall of Military Glory at Mamayev Kurgan.
