England aim to climb a step up

Doha – England kick off their World Cup campaign against Iran today desperate to take the final step after twice falling just short of winning the country’s first major trophy in more than half a century.

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 host nation Qatar.

Finding themselves thrown into the role of spokesmen on social issues ranging from the deaths of migrant workers during World Cup construction to the criminalisation of homosexuality in 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 (below) 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 semifinals in Russia gave the manager credibility among previously sceptical players and fans.

And he followed that impressive achievement by leading England to their first major final for 55 years at last year’s European Championship.

Not only did England lose when the stakes were highest, but in both matches they retreated into their shell with a conservative game-plan.

Having failed to win any of their past six matches, England arrived in Qatar on their worst run of form since 1993.

With tougher matches against the United States and Wales looming in Group B, England cannot afford a slow start against minnows Iran today. –