UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Playing in the World Cup is a daunting challenge and England, who were winless in the UEFA Nations League, must overcome several unusual factors to succeed in Qatar including the soaring temperatures and…..noisy camels.
The Three Lions arrived in Qatar on Tuesday, six days before their group stage opener against Iran and they are in a race against time to acclimatize in the Gulf Arabian nation before their matches come thick and fast.
Camels cause ruckus
Knowledge of the weather and fixture schedule was had in advance and Gareth Southgate and his men had contingencies for them. However, it looks unlikely that ‘noisy camels’ was part of their preparation dossier for the showpiece footballing event.
On their first night at Souq Al Wakra Hotel, the English squad had to deal with a pair of camels. The khakis continued to cause havoc throughout the night and were just yards away from their hotel.
The desert horse are known for keeping the night alive and are housed in a fenced-off pen from England’s camp. The spot touted as perfect by the FA for the Three Lions, away from the hustle and bustle in Doha, has turned its ugly head.
Amused at the situation, locals shared these sleepless nights will help the Maroons rack up wins in the competition.
“The camels like to talk. It makes them popular with tourists. Maybe they will keep England awake so Qatar will win,” a local cafe owner chimed in.
Day 268 in Doha.
Camels & Qatar.
Camel racing is huge here.
Fascinating for #WorldCup2022 fans.@World_Cup_Guide@FIFAWorldCup@ILQLive #Qatar2022
@murexqatartours#camels pic.twitter.com/w2y7EDNrq6— DebbieDerry (@derry_debbie) November 12, 2022
Living up to expectations
The FA and the organizing team will be hard at work to find a peaceful resolution for the camels. Inconveniences like these can impact on the Three Lions’ chances, who are one of the favourites for the competition.
Expectations are high for England, who received a send-off from Prince William, the President of the FA. before departing their homeland Gareth Southgate understands the job at hand and believes the squad will be able to deliver again.
“It was a nice moment to be with the group and Prince William, who has been a huge supporter of ours. I know how passionate the players are about their country and it was great to see what it meant to each of them as they came forward.
“As staff and players, we are all so privileged to represent England and we are excited to see what’s possible together. We want to make the fans proud again.”
Ready for the @FIFAWorldCup! 📸#ThreeLions | @marksandspencer pic.twitter.com/cP6RCQqjug
— England (@England) November 14, 2022
Living up to expectations
England made it to the semi-finals of the last World Cup in Russia, coming close to making it to the final before being stopped by Croatia. They went one better in the European Championships, earning a place in the showpiece final but came up empty-handed again with Italy lifting the trophy.
Harry Kane has gone from strength to strength in this period, enjoying life in North London. The same cannot be said about his fellow veterans.
Raheem Sterling is fighting for his spot with competition from Mason Mount and Phil Foden. Moreover, thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo’s tantrums, Marcus Rashford has managed to force his way into the Red Devils’ starting eleven.
However, it is their defence that has been the subject of severe criticism. Harry Maguire has been woeful over the last one and a half years and is not a regular at Old Trafford. His defensive partner, John Stones, has accumulated minutes at the Etihad but has been used predominantly as a right-back by Pep Guardiola.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!