Qatar World Cup – According to Tasnim news agency, Gareth Southgate said in a press conference before the meeting of the Iran and England national football teams in the first round of the group stage of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: We have all the players except James Madison. From the day we arrived in Qatar, he could not train with us. It’s too early to play for Kyle Walker, but he’s been training with the other players and is further along than we thought.
Praising the players of the English national team, he stated: The players had a good approach and playing in the World Cup is the biggest stage in the career of our players. We have controlled the heat of Doha and the training conditions are good in the afternoon. These exercises are suitable for physical preparation of players.
In response to a question about the events that happened in Iran and the request for the support of Sasheer, the head coach of the English national team said: I am not sure enough about the events that are happening in Iran. Iranian players and managers have a better understanding of the situation. If we are asked to support as a team, we can think about it. However, they didn’t ask us for such a thing and I hope we will focus on football.
In response to the question of whether the English national team players will kneel before the meeting with Iran, Southgate said: We will do so. This is what we stand for as a team and have been for a long time. The World Cup is the biggest football event in the world. In my opinion, this action is a powerful statement that will be broadcast around the world; Especially for young people.
Regarding the political questions of English journalists to Carlos Queiroz and the non-repetition of this incident in the Southgate press conferences, he noted: I understand the concerns of your team; The conditions are very difficult. I have been asked many political questions this year and it is my responsibility to answer some of them.
The head coach of the English national team stated that he has a lot of respect for Iran and said: We are aware of the quality of this team and we know how many good players they have in the English teams. Iran has performed well with Queiroz in the previous World Cup and has bothered the rivals.
The head coach of the English national team said about the conditions prevailing in this country: We are in the middle of an economic recession and life has become difficult for many people. We want them to enjoy football and be on a path that will bring them true happiness. Many teams have not been able to score against Iran and we also had a problem to meet Tunisia in Russia. We have to show a positive reaction to Iran’s style of play. This team has had many challenges and has reacted well in the games that have fallen behind.