England players to discuss what action they will take about human rights issues in Qatar

Germany, Norway and Netherlands have previously taken a stance against human rights issues in Qatar

England's players are reportedly planning a meeting to discuss what action they will take to express their concerns about human rights in Qatar. The World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Qatar next year, has been met with controversy over human rights issues surrounding the treatment of migrant workers, as well as the views on homosexuality - which is considered illegal under Qatari law. FIFA has come under fire ever since Qatar were first awarded the tournament in 2010 with then-president Sepp Blatter saying that gay people who wished to travel to the tournament "should refrain from any sexual activities" - something he later apologised for. A number of teams have taken a stance against the human rights abuses in Qatar, with Norway and Germany both sending out strong messages about the topic in recent months. Ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Turkey in March, the Norway players wore t-shirts asking who would be next in joining them in the campaign. Germany also decided to send out a message ahead of their victory over Iceland in March, a move that the Norway side acknowledged with another message. The t-shirts read: "Human rights - On and Off the pitch. Norway √ Germany √ Next?" https://twitter.com/GrantWahl/status/1375856005008011265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1375856005008011265%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.joe.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fnorway-make-another-stand-against-human-rights-abuses-in-qatar-268254   Now, it appears that England's players are planning a meeting to discuss what action they will take as a squad, with the players thought to have 'noted' the protests by Germany, Norway and Netherlands. Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer for the Times Sport, tweeted: "When qualification for #WorldCup2022 is secured, #ENG players plan a meeting to discuss what action they will take to express their concerns about human rights in Qatar. They have noted the protests of Dutch, German and Norwegian players. #Qatar2022." https://twitter.com/henrywinter/status/1459806322388619265?s=21 With the Three Lions reportedly wanting to wait until qualification for next year's World Cup to be secured - which can be done with a draw against San Marino on Monday - it can be expected that the England squad will be taking action in the near future. Related links:

• Josh Cavallo admits he would be ‘scared’ to play at Qatar World Cup
• Qatar World Cup protests are too late… but they’re far from pointless
• Norway make another stand against human rights abuses in Qatar