England team land in Qatar on Gay Pride jet ahead of World Cup 2022 – Daily Mail

England‘s World Cup squad have landed in Qatar as the countdown continues to the tournament getting underway.

Gareth Southgate‘s side left the national team training ground at St George’s Park this morning and headed out onto the team coach, where a huge group of supporters were waiting to cheer them on.

They headed from their Staffordshire base to Birmingham Airport, where they stepped onto their flight to Doha. 

And on Tuesday evening, the squad touched down in the Qatari capital ahead of their World Cup campaign getting underway against Iran next Monday. 

They arrived at around 8.30pm local time in Qatar (5.30pm GMT) and the players looked in a relaxed mood as they exited the plane.

The squad will now complete a light training session this evening, before serious preparations get underway at their Al Wakrah training facility on Wednesday ahead of next Monday’s tournament opener.

England arrived in Doha on a Gay Pride jet – a ‘Rain Bow’ Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus – in a show of defiance over the host nation amid concerns over the treatment of LGBTQ+ people at the tournament. 

FA chiefs proposed the idea of the Gay Pride plane to highlight concerns over gay rights in Qatar, where same-sex relationships remain a criminal offence and whose World Cup Ambassador last week said homosexuality is ‘damage in the mind’.

Anyone found participating in same-sex sexual activity in Qatar can be punished by up to seven years in prison, while there are also concerns about thousands of migrant workers having died in Qatar since it won the rights to host the World Cup.

After landing, England then boarded a bus and travelled to their team hotel, where they were greeted by fans as they arrived.

Southgate waved to many of the supporters who had gathered outside the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli – a location he had selected as the team hotel after five previous visits.

Earlier, they had heard a rousing speech from Prince William and received encouragement from a large group of young fans as they departed St George’s Park.

Addressing the players, Prince William said: ‘What you and Gareth have built here is something special, that’s clear to see.

‘Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll go far.’

‘I’m really here to point out the rest of the country is behind you, we’re all rooting for you. Enjoy it.’

The England squad looked in good spirits as they boarded the coach and prepared to fly to Qatar ahead of their game against Iran in six days time. 

Manager Gareth Southgate delighted the excited young crowds as he walked past holding a coffee. 

Speaking before they departed, England captain Harry Kane said: ‘I’m excited. The World Cup is a special occasion. Obviously we’re flying out today. So I’m really excited. 

‘For most professional players, its the biggest tournament you can play in. I’ve been lucky enough to do one and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. And I can’t wait to get out this weather and get some sun!’

After the players boarded the two coaches, they set off for the airport as the eager fans waved their flags and chanted ‘England! England! England!’.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson also spoke before leaving and reflected on his inclusion in the World Cup squad. 

He said: ‘Over the moon. You work hard as a football player to try and get opportunities like this and it’s one that you grasp with both hands.

‘Life’s all about timing. I’ve had three years away. The pinnacle of my career was scoring on my debut for England. It’s a moment I want to add to. Going to a World Cup, there’s great opportunities to go and make history.’

England open their campaign against Iran on Monday before further group stage matches against the United States on November 25 and Wales on November 29. 

FIFA has urged countries to focus on football during the competition, but Southgate has said it is ‘highly unlikely’ that England will do so.

He said: ‘We’re very strong on inclusivity. We understand the challenges that this tournament brings . . . the human rights challenges.

‘We’ve always spoken about issues we think should be talked about, particularly ones we feel we can affect.’

In an emotionally-charged speech on the eve of their World Cup departure, Southgate urged his players to write their own history.

The Three Lions boss addressed his players and staff, urging them to seize the opportunity to win the country’s first World Cup since 1966.

Despite a poor UEFA Nations League campaign this year, England head to Qatar as one of the tournament favourites having reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and also the final of last year’s European Championship.

And Southgate genuinely believes England have a chance of winning the World Cup for the second time and urged the current crop to become the best in history.

Players spent much of Monday undertaking promotional work with kit suppliers Nike while squad members underwent light recovery sessions ahead of their departure for Doha at 10am on Tuesday.

The FA also organised for a mystery guest to attend Monday’s festivities at St George’s Park, as Southgate looked to tap into his players psychologically.

During the Euros, singer Ed Sheeran visited England’s training centre to perform a special set for the players.

Favorite