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England’s World Cup squad took part in a light stretching session at their base camp in Qatar today as they prepare for their first game against Iran in just five days.
The Three Lions squad were seen in the Doha sunshine early Wednesday morning doing stretches outside the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli as part of their recovery session.
The squad completed a light training exercise after arriving last night before further preparations begin later in the day at their Al Wakrah training facility.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson sits cross-legged as he stretches out with the rest of the England team
The Three Lions team is preparing, as their opening game against Iran is in five days
Defensive duo Eric Dier (L) and Trent Alexander-Arnold watch as they prepare their muscles for training later today
All players were given a chilled bottle of water as the Doha sun descended on them in the morning
The England stars lie on the floor as they complete their recovery session after their light training session last night
Manchester City’s Kyle Walker hopes to reverse the effects of his recent injury by preparing thoroughly with England
Gareth Southgate’s team landed in Qatar’s capital at around 8.30pm local time (5.30pm GMT) last night and looked relaxed as they exited the plane.
After landing in Doha last night, England then boarded a bus and traveled to their team hotel, where they were greeted by fans on arrival.
Southgate waved to many of the supporters who had gathered outside the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli – a venue he had selected as the team hotel after five previous visits.
Local football fans decided to serenade Southgate and his team with England’s iconic song ‘Football’s Coming Home’ to make them feel welcome as they stepped off the bus outside the hotel on Tuesday night.
Employees of the Souq Al Wakra Hotel gathered at the reception and applauded the team as they entered the building.
The Three Lions squad was greeted by heroes as they walked through the doors of the Souq Al Wakra Hotel
Southgate and his England captain Harry Kane took part in several interviews outside the hotel before going inside
Gareth Southgate and his England squad were greeted by hundreds of local football fans as they arrived at their hotel
Southgate and his players were presented with flowers on arrival and sampled some of the local delicacies before settling into their rooms.
Southgate’s decision to stay at the Souq Al Wakra Hotel was largely based on logistical and transport links, with his chosen hotel being a short drive from eight of the 10 tournament venues.
Describing itself as ‘an elegant seaside retreat’, the hotel has access to a private beach and offers an on-site spa for body scrubs with relaxing massages, foot rituals, facials, reflexology and hot stone travel.
In addition, there are five restaurants, some with sea views, offering Western favorites or Arabic and Levantine dishes such as mezze plates, mixed grill or local dish sawani.
The players were in high spirits ahead of the tournament – which kicks off on Sunday with Qatar vs Ecuador
Southgate and his Three Lions squad received flowers upon arrival at the team hotel in Al Wakrah
The Southgate side left the national team’s training ground at St George’s Park on Tuesday morning and made their way to the team’s coach, where a huge crowd of supporters were waiting to cheer them on.
They drove from their base in Staffordshire to Birmingham Airport, where they boarded their flight to Doha.
England arrived in Doha on a Gay Pride jet – a ‘Rain Bow’ Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus – in a show of defiance against the host nation amid concerns over the tournament’s treatment of LGBTQ+ people.
FA chiefs suggested the idea of the Gay Pride plane to highlight concerns over gay rights in Qatar, where same-sex relationships remain a criminal offense and whose World Cup ambassador said last week that homosexuality “harms the mind” ‘ is.
Southgate is on his way to his third tournament as England manager since taking over from Sam Allardyce in 2016
England captain Harry Kane exits plane after landing in Qatar – he’s just three goals clear of the country’s all-time top goalscorer
Callum Wilson (left) and James Maddison, who both won their last England cap in 2019, arrive in Qatar in high spirits
England traveled to Qatar on a plane dubbed the ‘Rain Bow’, pictured at Birmingham Airport ahead of their flight on Tuesday
The plane has a picture of Oscar, a cartoon man holding a Union Jack flag while wearing rainbow-colored sneakers, below the cabin
Earlier that day, they had heard a rousing speech from Prince William and were cheered on by a large crowd of young fans as they left St George’s Park.
Prince William addressed the players: ‘What you and Gareth have built here is something special, it shows.
“Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it and I’m sure you’ll go far.”
“I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you, we’re all rooting for you. Enjoy it.’
Prince William cheered Kane (right) and the England players as they left for Qatar
Before they left, England captain Harry Kane said, “I’m excited. The World Cup is a special occasion. It is clear that we are flying today. So I’m very excited.
“For most professional players, this is the biggest tournament you can play in. I was lucky enough to do one and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. And I can’t wait to get out in this weather and get some sun!”
After boarding the two buses, the players headed for the airport as the enthusiastic fans waved their flags and chanted ‘England! England! England!’.