The quest begins.

It is raining in London as the ptofessional footballers from this green and pleasant land train in the desert heat. The squad is on a mission to bring back the World Cup, a trophy adored across the planet.

Alan Shearer thinks we won’t go far. He fears that we do not have enough defensive talent. There is worry that Maguire is cumbersome, that Stones can be inattentive, that Walker lacks a centre backs spatial awareness. Maybe he has a point.

Jack Charlton was never the most graceful of footballers. He was a classic stopper. The first man up to the high ball. Alongside the wonderful Bobby Moore he could look unsophisticated and industrial. He was a World Cup winner.

Charlton, Moore, Wilson and Cohen.

Things happen out there on the pitch. Stuff goes down in the blink of an eye. Sometimes a situation develops and the only thing that will get you through is something internal. Something inside rises up and pushes you on, pushes on the team. That quality can only be seen in certain moments. You know there are some players who have this. Others have yet to prove it.

As England players train in the Qatar heat the heartbeat of football continues in the football leagues. Beth goes to watch Forest Green Rovers, Martins fabulous Orient win away at Stockport County and Phil is busy managing his under11’s in a top of the table clash. Sunday morning football kicks off across villages, towns and cities.

Tomorrow England will debut in the tournament taking on the proud footballers from Iran. Iran has won the Asia Cup three times and qualified for the World Cup 6 times. They have the chance to showcase their talent against one the major footballing nations of the world.

England will have to be careful. They need to win and to preserve themselves in the heat and to get through without injuries. Nothing is simple. Nothing is easy. It is the World Cup.

The journey starts at lunchtime. Tomorrow. But will there be more tomorrows and will there be enough tomorrows to make it when another tomorrow is the 18th December 2022. Will there?

COME ON ENGLAND.