The Players Loved It!
Gareth Southgate Reveals England's World Cup Game
Former England manager Gareth Southgate shared how the squad passed time between matches and training at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar by playing their own version of the BBC TV show The Traitors.
About the Game
The original show divides contestants into "Faithfuls" and "Traitors" inside a castle. The Traitors secretly "murder" the Faithfuls during the night to claim prize money, while the Faithfuls try to identify and banish the Traitors before they are eliminated.
England’s Version: Wolves and Villagers
At the World Cup, the England players played a similar version called Wolves and Villagers. During one evening, they were joined by a special guest who lifted their spirits amidst the tournament pressure.
Robbie Williams’ Surprise Visit
Pop superstar Robbie Williams visited the England squad at their hotel in Qatar to boost morale ahead of their quarter-final match against France. He entertained the team by the pool with some of his famous songs while performing in Doha.
"Williams was performing in Doha and dropped in on the team, who were reportedly delighted by his presence."
Southgate confirmed that Williams even joined the card game, jokingly calling striker Harry Kane a "werewolf."
"He playfully identified striker Harry Kane as a 'werewolf'."
This unexpected moment became a memorable highlight for the team during a demanding tournament.
Author’s Summary
Southgate’s insight reveals how team spirit and lighthearted moments, including celebrity visits, helped England players bond and stay motivated at the 2022 World Cup.
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