Despite Town players missing out on an England call-up from boss Roy Hodgson, Ipswich will still play a pivotal role in the World Cup.

Ipswich Star: The Ransomes MastiffThe Ransomes Mastiff (Image: Archant)

And their contribution will be guaranteed to cover every blade of grass in the stadia – lawn mowers made in the town will cut the hallowed turf in Brazil.

The eyes of the world will be on the final in the world-famous Maracana stadium on July 13 which will have had its grass cut using Ransomes Jacobsen equipment.

And when England perform against Costa Rica at the Estadio Mineirao, in Belo Horizonte, the likes of Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney can also thank the company from Suffolk for the quality of the playing surface.

Alan Prickett, the firm’s managing director, said: “The FIFA World Cup is the biggest single-event sporting competition in the world and once again, mowers manufactured by our businesses in the UK and USA are being used at this global sporting event.

“The final at the Maracana will attract a television audience in excess of 300million people around the globe, all watching the game on a playing surface prepared by mowers made in Ipswich.

“I think everyone connected with the business can take pride in that.”

Along with the Ransomes Mastiff land mower, the company’s Jacobsen Tri-King ride-on which is manufactured in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, will also be used to maintain stadium pitches and training facilities during the month-long footballing extravaganza.

It all kicks off on Thursday with a match which pits the home team – and tournament favourites – against Croatia.

A total of 64 games will be played involving teams including Iran, the Ivory Coast and current holders Spain.

Retail giant Tesco has said fans were already flocking to buy flat-screen televisions, Brazilian snacks and collectible Panini stickers in preparation for the tournament.