Rio looking for quality to shine through

Ferdinand accepts the Russians will have greater experience of the surface going into a game which could see England book their place in next summer's finals if they collect all three points.

But he is confident the quality in Steve McClaren's squad, who won the first clash between the teams 3-0 at Wembley last month, will shine through.

Ferdinand said: "If you sit and think about the pitch too much, we are going to be feeling negative before the first whistle goes.

"We have trained on an artificial pitch at times already during the past few days, so we know what it is about.

"Russia might be more experienced at playing on the pitch in Moscow. But at the end of the day, I think quality will come through, and we hope we can apply ourselves and make sure we win the game in the right manner.

"We've not played on the pitch before but it is not something we will be taking into big consideration. We will be going out there just to play our own game."

Ferdinand is hoping to be joined in the England defence by captain John Terry who flew out with the squad last night as he recovers from his knee injury.

As one of England's most senior players, the Manchester United centre-half will relish the challenge of trying to combat the threat of the Russians - who he recognises will pose a bigger threat than at Wembley.

He could have inexperienced full-backs either side of him in Joleon Lescott, who is in contention to make a full debut, and Micah Richards, facing the biggest test of his promising career.

Ferdinand is nonetheless confident. "I take that responsibility every game anyway," he added.

"I don't think it matters whether there are people out of the squad or out of the team.

"I think that is when the team should come together, no matter what.”