Partners of England’s footballers head to Qatar ahead of World Cup kick-off

Partners of England’s World Cup squad are on their way to Qatar to join the Three Lions today.

The footballers’ wives, girlfriends and family members were seen gathering at Manchester Airport this morning (Sunday) to catch a short flight to London before boarding another plane for the seven-hour journey to Qatar.

England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s wife, Megan, was seen carrying a doll of her husband in an England shirt, clutching the cuddly toy as she checked in her luggage before catching the flight to Gatwick.

Meanwhile, Kyle Walker’s wife, Annie, carried an English cowboy hat on top of a suitcase.

Annie and Megan were joined by Fern Maguire, the wife of centre-back Harry Maguire, Sasha Attwood, Jack Grealish’s girlfriend, and Charlotte Trippier, the wife of right-back Kieran, for the short flight to London.

The footballers’ partners were seen hugging one another as they waited in line with other passengers.

Many of them were dressed in comfortable clothes, ready for the seven-hour flight to the Gulf state ahead of the start of England’s World Cup campaign.

Once they arrive in Qatar, they will be taken to the MSC World Europa – a luxury cruise ship dubbed a “floating palace” that will host them for the duration of the tournament.

The incredible £1 billion (€1.1 billion) cruise ship – which usually costs £2,434.80 (€2.7 million) for nine nights – has made its base at Doha Port, ready to accommodate the footballers’ families.

Guests will enjoy the good life, thanks to the beauty salons and boutiques on board, as well as 14 ocean-view hot tubs to keep them entertained between matches.

But while the footballers’ partners will enjoy the luxury of the ship – complete with its own shopping mall, disco skating rink and a range of kids’ clubs – players will reportedly not be allowed on board.

Elsewhere on the cruise ship, a Sportplex area offers basketball, bumper cars and even a disco skating rink, meaning plenty of opportunities for fun, along with more than 30 bars and cafés, as well as a microbrewery.

Sunbathing areas are not even allowed at many hotels. But by staying on the ship, guests can simply relax and have a good time. If England goes all the way, it is likely to become like a carnival on board.

Qatar has strict rules on alcohol, but because the MSC World Europa is ‘offshore’, those on board can drink champagne without fear of legal consequences.

However, regular fans attending the World Cup are not so lucky.

They have already complained about the ban on alcoholic drinks in the stadium, which was imposed just days before the start of the tournament.