The Twin Towers are coming to York as the city gears up for England's showpiece fixture against Germany on Saturday.

York Racecourse is erecting a special Wembley marquee, complete with famous towers, to make sure racegoers can still watch the vital World Cup qualifier.

A host of monitors will show the game, which kicks off at 3pm, in the marquee at the last meeting of the season at the racecourse.

"There is a strong connection between racing and football," said racecourse spokesman James Brennan, citing Peter Shilton, Robbie Fowler and Vinnie Jones as examples of footballers turned race fans.

"We intend to cater for fans of both on Saturday. We are not in a vacuum here, and we know the importance of the game and how many intend to watch it."

Pubs are also expecting a bumper turnout for the game, the first competitive match since England Euro 2000 debacle.

The match is the first of England's qualifiers for the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan and the last match at Wembley before its demolition.