England’s rugby stars got boost ahead of World Cup campaign after Gareth Southgate visited team camp and shares Qatar experience

England’s rugby players have plucked Gareth Southgate’s brain to boost their World Cup preparations.

The football manager visited England’s training base yesterday and shared his experience of reaching the quarter-finals in Qatar last year.

Having met Steve Borthwick for lunch earlier this year, Southgate agreed to hold a Q&A with the team ahead of Saturday’s warm-up game against Wales.

“Gareth said it was very different from the football environment,” prop Ellis Genge said. “It’s probably different in rugby because there are so many different factors, like the set piece, whereas football is much more fluid with the ball in play.

“He said there are a lot more breakdowns in the game in rugby and said he was surprised how smoothly the sessions went.”

Steve Borthwick (centre) will be hopeful Southgate’s visit can be an inspiration for their World Cup campaign

Southgate has always followed rugby closely and has previously spent time with Eddie Jones and Harlequins.

And he is the second football coach in camp this summer, following Burnley manager Vincent Kompany as a guest at Pennyhill Park.

Full-back Freddie Steward added: ‘Gareth spoke about what it means for the country if England go to a World Cup. The country goes with you and you represent everyone.

“That camaraderie and spirit that can be created with the whole nation is amazing. I’ve never played at a World Cup before, but the guys who went to Japan four years ago talk about how the whole country came together.

‘Vincent Kompany is also a very impressive man and how he talks about work rate and desire; those kind of things. I think they made a big impression and the guys got a lot out of it.’