England and Wales start the journey to Qatar World Cup
England fly on a plane called 'Rain Bow'
England’s World Cup squad have left the UK in a plane called 'Rain Bow' as they head to the World Cup in Qatar.
The Wales team are flying out tonight after doing their final training session.
The World Cup in Qatar begins on Sunday.
England leave the UK
The Three Lions left their St George’s Park HQ this morning and jetted out to Doha from Birmingham on a plane called ‘Rain Bow’.
Among the criticism of the host country is its oppressive laws and treatment of LGBT+ people. The rainbow is the symbol of LGBT+ pride.
England skipper Harry Kane is one of several national captains who plan to participate in the ‘OneLove’ campaign during the tournament to oppose discrimination.
A Football Association spokesperson told the PA news agency: “We show our support for inclusion in many ways, including wearing the OneLove Armband during the tournament.”
It is understood that the FA did not choose the plane, but is happy to fly on it. The chartered flight is with carrier Virgin Atlantic, who has no commercial relationship with the FA.
England are expected to land in Qatar at around 8pm local time and arrive at their team base at around 9pm (6pm UK).
The Welsh team prepare to leave
The Welsh team left their base this morning for a final training session before flying out to Qatar later today.
The team went to Cardiff City stadium for training in front of hundreds of Welsh schoolchildren.
Wales head to Qatar after ending a 64-year World Cup drought.
They kick off their first match against the USA on November 21 and will also play England in the group stages.