They are striking against a pay deal proposed by Network Rail, after the company "failed to budge" from a three-year pay offer the union said would deliver an effective two-year pay freeze, and delay for another year a 35-hour week that should have been in place three months ago.

General secretary Bob Crow said: "Our members have seen through a disgraceful campaign of disinformation by the company and returned what can only be called a massive vote for action.

"We warned the company that our members would not accept this penny-pinching offer from executives who have pocketed a million in bonuses between them.

"NR's offer would see our members' pay stand still in real terms for two years, and would stall the implementation of the 35-hour week they were promised by March for another year.

"Whichever way you look at it, that is unacceptable.

"Network Rail made a single-year pay deal available for maintenance staff, and there is no sensible reason why they should not do so for signallers and operational staff too."

For maximum impact on Network Rail, the strike will take place during England's game against Sweden, and during the team's second round game should they make it through the group stages.