England manager Gareth Southgate is hoping his side can create lasting memories for people back home during a “difficult spell”.
Having reached the semi-finals in Russia four years ago and finished as Euro 2020 runners-up, the Three Lions are among the favourites to triumph this winter in Qatar.
But the heat is on Southgate after England were relegated from the Nations League top tier during a six-match winless run they will hope to end in Monday’s Group B opener against Iran.
Clashes against the United States and Wales quickly follow as his players look to join Sir Alf Ramsey’s 1966 heroes as the only Englishmen to have ever won a major international trophy.
“Look, our challenge is to give our supporters a tournament that’s memorable,” Southgate said on the eve of the Iran game at the Khalifa International Stadium.
“We’ve taken them on fantastic journeys in our last two tournaments, and we want to bring (them on another).
“Our country is going also through a difficult spell – not the same as some of the other countries around the world at the moment but we’re in the middle of an economic recession and life has been difficult for a lot of our people.
“So, we want them to enjoy their football and have a journey with the team that brings some real happiness.”
There has been precious little time to prepare for the tournament given the unprecedented scheduling of the tournament, which is wedged in the middle of the Premier League season.
England met up on Monday and jetted out to Qatar the following day, with James Maddison the only player ruled out against Iran as he recovers from a knee issue.
“Everybody is available bar James Maddison for tomorrow,” Southgate said.
“It’s a little bit early for Kyle Walker but he is training with the team, so that’s ahead of where we thought he might be at this stage. Very positive.
“We’re looking forward to this challenge and I’ve really liked the way the players have approached training this week.
“It’s been a good transition for us because training a couple of days earlier (in the day) with the heat, which we wanted to adapt to.
“Now we’ve had a couple of lighter sessions later at night. It’s quite cool now, so we feel that that’s been good physical tapering for the game.”
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