Southgate says England squad will ‘educate’ themselves about Qatar human rights issues

"It is hugely complex but we will take the time to educate ourselves."

Gareth Southgate has insisted that the England squad will 'educate' themselves about the situation in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup. The Three Lions qualified for the tournament after their emphatic 10-0 thrashing of minnows San Marino on Monday night. Earlier this week, it was reported that England's players were planning a meeting to discuss what action they will take to express their concerns about human rights issues in Qatar. It was thought that once the squad had achieved qualification, they would begin to hold conversations on the topic. 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. Speaking after the game against San Marino, Southgate said in his press conference that England 'will take the time to educate ourselves' on the matter.

"I've been in some conversations as part of an FA delegation with people from Qatar. So I've been trying to get a better understanding of exactly the situation. I think we'll obviously take the time to inform the players a bit more about what's going on," he said.

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"We have to be certain on who we should be speaking to, and exactly what issues are important, because it feels as if there are a lot. And it’s a very complicated situation for us. We have to go and work with people and represent the country in a foreign land and when you are doing that you have got to be 100 per cent sure of your facts.

"That's not easy because it's hard to work through what is current and what is historic. We have a responsibility to represent our country in the right way."

The Three Lions manager added: "There are clear cultural differences between the two nations. And also we, as a nation, do a lot of business with Qatar as well.

"I was reading about Rolls Royce, 10,000 new jobs, heavy investment from Qatar into green machinery and a way of working. So it is hugely complex but we will take the time to educate ourselves and if we feel there are areas we can highlight and help, we have always tried to do that and we will do that."

With England having secured their place in the prestigious tournament next year, it can be expected that the squad will decide on the action that they will take in the near future.

Related links:

• Thomas Hitzlsperger does not believe Qatar will change views once World Cup concludes
• Magda Eriksson says she would not want to go to Qatar as a gay woman
• England players to discuss what action they will take about human rights issues in Qatar