World Cup 2018: England players battle swarms of mosquitos badgering them during Tunisia match

England players were seen attempting to bat away the swarms of mosquitos and midges badgering them during their World Cup match against Tunisia.

The team were instructed to dose up on insect repellent in a bid to reduce the pest problem that has been plaguing Volgograd, where the match was being held.

But before and during the match players could be seen frantically trying to swat the bugs away.

In the match warm-up Raheem Sterling was seen waving midges away from his face and several players were forced to apply extra bug spray in a bid to deter the pests.

Dele Alli appeared to be being bothered by the insects which could be seen hovering round the team as they stood to sing the national anthem.

Authorities in the city have been trying to get rid of the flies since they became a problem in May.

According to reports, helicopters have been deployed to spray insect repellent on the stadium.

The insects descended on the Hilton Garden Hotel where the team was staying 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.”