England's World Cup hotel is being completely transformed – to make it a 'home from home'.
Captain Harry Kane and his side are set to enjoy personal touches first seen last year for the delayed Euro 2020 tournament. They included family photos in their rooms, action photos on the walls and reminders of our greatest sporting victories, including the 1966 World Cup triumph.
FA chiefs have made sure there is satellite TV at the Souq Al Wakra hotel near Doha, the 2022 team HQ. The 95-strong delegation of players, coaching and support staff will see all the World Cup action.
At St George's Park last summer, the team found a number of surprises on arrival. And Gareth Southgate's side went all the way to the final, only to be beaten on penalties by Italy. There were family photos and mementoes, outdoor BBQs, quiz nights and regular phone calls to loved ones.
They are going to follow that formula in Qatar, with Three Lions branding all over the hotel. Al Wakra's management have laid on a brand new outdoor swimming pool, 60 new staff and security at the main entrance.
Aiman Merenciano, senior sales manager, told The Mirror : "The new swimming pool is ready. We have increased from 70 employees to 100 now and we will reach 130 for the World Cup. It is to make sure the team has everything they need. All staff will be supporting England. We really hope they do well."
A new entrance was needed for security, with changing rooms and a toilet block also built next to the new pool. "Outside the hotel the branding is by Fifa," added Aiman. "Everything inside the hotel is done by England.
"Their new TV system is in all the rooms so all the matches will be shown live. The FA spoke with our chefs. Most food will be bought locally. We have everything so we will prepare all the menus. Our staff have a good grasp of English, that is expected here."
The FA has 95 of 101 rooms – with a handful booked by Fifa – as team chiefs seek to recreate the friendly, relaxed atmosphere which worked so well at the World Cup in Russia. In 2018, there was a handwritten note from Southgate awaiting players and back-room staff.
Figures obtained by The Mirror reveal England and Wales are likely to be two of the best supported teams in Qatar. Group opponents USA are set to have more fans than any other nation apart from the hosts. Americans have 11.5 per cent of the rooms reserved with a total of 130,000 on offer. Mexico comes in second at 10.9 per cent. Saudi Arabia came in a surprising third place at 10.8 per cent of rooms sold so far.
The Football Supporters' Association says 3,000 Three Lions fans will be joined by at least 3,000 Welsh fans. "The expat community is the great unknown in terms of ticket sales," said spokesman Ashley Brown, part of the 'Free Lions' team named after their free fanzine.
"There are in excess of 20,000 Brits in Qatar and more than 100,000 expats in the region. So there is likely to be around 10,000 England fans actually in the stadiums for the matches."
