England expects as Southgate's men seek World Cup glory

Gareth Southgate's players will be relieved to finally focus on football after spending much of the build-up to the tournament mired in the ceaseless controversies surrounding Qatar.

The England squad have handled themselves impeccably. But now they have to transfer that poise under pressure to the pitch, where they start their three Group B fixtures established as one of the leading contenders.

That lofty status is a stark contrast to six years ago, when Southgate took charge with England at a low ebb after a series of humiliations on and off the pitch.

Southgate set about rebuilding the team and has gradually restored them to the upper echelons of the international game. A surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia gave the manager credibility. And he followed that impressive achievement by leading England to their first major final for 55 years at last year's European Championship.