Chisinau

Tens of thousands of Moldavans rallied in the capital Chisinau on Sunday to demand the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti and the election of a new head of state, organisers said.

Moldova's decision to sign key trade and political agreements with the European Union has cost it dearly, as its giant trading partner Russia swiftly punished it through an embargo strangling its farm and wine industries.

England manager Roy Hodgson has warned his stars not to use the poor quality pitch in Chisinau as an excuse to deliver a lacklustre display in their opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Friday.

Tens of thousands of Moldavans rallied in the capital Chisinau on Sunday to demand the resignation of President Nicolae Timofti and the election of a new head of state, organisers said.

Moldova's decision to sign key trade and political agreements with the European Union has cost it dearly, as its giant trading partner Russia swiftly punished it through an embargo strangling its farm and wine industries.

England manager Roy Hodgson has warned his stars not to use the poor quality pitch in Chisinau as an excuse to deliver a lacklustre display in their opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova on Friday.