England squad touch down in Qatar ready for World Cup 2022

England´s Harry Kane steps off the plane in Doha, ahead of the World Cup (Picture: REUTERS)

England’s World Cup squad touched down in Qatar last night, with captain Harry Kane insisting they remain on course for glory after reaching the semi-finals in 2018 and the final of last year’s European Championship.

Poor results this year have tempered expectations surrounding Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad but captain Kane is adamant they remain on an upward trajectory.

‘We’ve been trending well in major tournaments so there’s only one more step to take and hopefully we can take it this time,’ the Tottenham striker said on arrival in Doha.

The unique build-up to this winter World Cup mean England will go into Monday’s Group B opener with Iran without having had a warm-up game, but Kane believes they will adapt.

‘It’s exciting, stranger than usual thinking that we’re going to be playing in about five or six days. We’re used to preparing for games with England in a short period. With major tournaments it’s a bit different,’ he said.

‘The mentality of the squad will adapt to it well and that’s what we’re going to.

‘We’re trying not to think that far ahead but of course (winning the World Cup) is the dream and what we’re aiming to do. It’s going to be a tough tournament, we have to prepare for that but really excited to get going.’

England are staying on the shore of the Arabian Gulf at the Souq Al Wakra Hotel, where fans replete in replica shirts and carrying St George’s flags enthusiastically welcomed the team.

‘It’s coming home’ and the less familiar ‘Gareth Southgate super coach’ were among the chants from supporters, including many of Indian descent. The fans rebuffed suggestions they had been paid by organisers to welcome the team.

‘We are not paid,’ said one fan, who wished to remain anonymous. ‘Even if someone offered money to us for loving England we would rather tell them to get lost.’

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The squad arrived in Qatar ready to kick off the tournament.