Trains will not be stopping at Wembley Stadium station during the England vs. Slovenia match this week "due to overcrowding fears," according to Oliver Wheaton of the London METRO. Thousands of fans were hoping to travel to and from the World Cup qualifier via train "after a 24-hour Tube strike was announced," however Chiltern Railways confirmed its trains will not be stopping at the station. In a statement, Chiltern said, "For safety reasons, we will not be stopping any trains at Wembley Stadium station on October 5 from 1600 until the end of service and it will not be possible for Chiltern Railways to provide a train service for those travelling to Wembley for the England v Slovenia football match. Trains are expected to be busier due to London Underground planned industrial action, and the large volumes of anticipated Wembley traffic in addition to this would be unsustainable from a safety perspective." Members of Tube drivers' union the Associated Society of Locomotive Engineers & Firemen on London Underground will "walk out for 24 hours on Thursday" (METRO, 10/2). In London, James Benge reported supporters who are unable to attend the match due to the strike will be "automatically refunded," but the FA "will not allow the industrial action to derail England's World Cup qualifying bid" (EVENING STANDARD, 10/2). Also in London, Liam Prenderville reported the FA has also been working with Transport for London and National Express to "set up alternative transport options for supporters." A shuttle service from Waterloo and King's Cross to Wembley will be available to fans, while there will be "enhanced bus and coach networks on Thursday" (DAILY MIRROR, 10/2).
