Qatar have announced Carlos Queiroz as the new head coach of their national team.
After the World Cup earned Qatar both plaudits and censure, the energy-rich Gulf state is now starting a marathon to secure the 2036 Olympics and a place as a pillar of world sport.
Gareth Southgate knows England need to handle heightened expectations in Qatar but says there is more belief and confidence in the squad than during the run to the World Cup semi-finals four years ago.
World Cup hosts Qatar’s fears of an early tournament exit loomed large as they lost 3-1 to Senegal at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha.
Qatar became the first World Cup hosts to lose their opening match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory, with Enner Valencia scoring twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday.
Qatar coach Felix Sanchez said the hosts were excitedly looking forward to a "historic moment" when his team open the 2022 World Cup against Ecuador on Sunday.