Coady insists game has to be ‘for everybody’
BUT DEFENDER SAYS PLAYERS WILL RESPECT QATAR LAWS
CONOR Coady has stressed the England team’s belief that ‘football is for everybody.’
Qatar’s hosting of the tournament has been overshadowed by numerous controversies, including the country’s human rights record, its treatment of migrant workers and over its LGBTQ+ laws.
“We’ve spoken about it as a team. We have come together and had a chat about it in meetings,” said Coady following England’s second training session since arriving in the country.
“We have said the same thing – we really believe football is for absolutely everybody. That is what we believe as a team, as people and as players. That’s what we want to focus on.
“We have come to a country where we will respect rules, and respect everything that goes on in this country. We’re all here for one thing, and that’s to play football, but in terms of what we believe as a team and as players is football is for all, everyone to be included in our great sport.”
Asked if he felt it was sad many England fans felt uncomfortable supporting the team in such a country, Coady said: “Of course it is. We want every England supporter to come and support us. They push us, they drive us, they always do that no matter what the competition. That is what we want as a team.
“We are here and we will respect everything that is going on in Qatar but we stand for what we stand for and we will keep moving forward with that.”
Coady, who is on loan at Everton from Wolves, was also a member of England’s squad at Euro 2020 but did not feature in their run to the final.
Despite that lack of action, he relished the tournament and he insists his attitude will be no different even if he does not play this time. He said: “It’s exactly the same. Every camp we go on we look at it as an opportunity to play together, to enjoy a different environment.
“The way the lads come together and the spirit t h a t gets created is incredible.” The heat players will have to train in has been a major concern ever since Qatar was awarded the tournament. Coady admits it is tough to work in, but is not complaining. He said: “It was hard this morning but it was something we needed to get used to it, to feel it, to understand it. It’s tough - I’m not going to say it’s not - but we’re professional players and we understand what we’re doing. Thinking it’s too hot will get us nowhere.”