Inside England’s World Cup camp: From Bukayo Saka’s spelling bee to skill school heroics, a concert by Robbie Williams, Kyle Walker’s adopted cat and the backpack ride camel from Jack Grealish

Gone are the days of bored English players looking for distractions at major tournaments, now they barely have a spare moment.

Gareth Southgate’s generation of stars are well past that time, with their camaraderie and friendship forming part of the nation’s new era of success.

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Club rivalries have been set aside to excel much further than their ‘Golden Generation’ predecessors, and that’s no surprise given what’s on offer when they come together.

Euro 2020 brought darts matches and the famous inflatable pool unicorn, but Qatar has even more to see…

Camel ride

Upon arriving in Doha, the England team were treated to some lovely surprises with unicorn murals and hotel room giveaways, but it quickly turned into a learning experience.

Jack Grealish spoke to talkSPORT the following morning and revealed how he was greeted in his usually baffled manner.

“We all received flowers,” he said. “I haven’t put them in a vase yet.

“There was a camel and that too, I rode on the camel’s back, there was a bird, I don’t know what bird it was.

“The camel got completely up, I was so high I was scared.

“I went up there, but I didn’t think it would go that high because I didn’t know how big it would be. When he got up, he was so tall.

We’re just glad you weren’t hurt, Jack…

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Dave the cat

Before a Brazilian media worker made headlines for throwing a cat to the ground at a press conference, England already had their own.

The team approached a feline friend who rented their Al Wakrah hotel, and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker even suggested he might adopt him.

Speaking at a recent press conference, Walker was asked about the chat and said: “Dave is fine.

“He had a little fight with another cat the other night. I think they’re fighting over territory and food. But he’s fine.

“I hope I can keep my promise that he will come home with us if we win the World Cup. Dave is fine, thanks for asking.

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Saka’s spelling bee

Footballers’ social media can often be quite boring, but Bukayo Saka managed to find a new twist that quickly went viral.

After his teammates in Doha, Saka created a TikTok account just to test his teammate’s spelling skills, with hilarious results.

Highlights include Jack Grealish’s spelling rhythm ‘Rhymth’ and Marcus Rashford missing an awkward R, much to the Arsenal star’s amusement.

bukayosaka87

School of skills

Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling may have already appeared on Soccer AM’s “Skill Skool” as kids, but it’s fair to say that a number of their teammates could have joined them.

Particularly Grealish, who has appeared in several viral videos showing how simple footballers make the most difficult tasks.

A clip inside a gym showed him with Man City team-mate Phil Foden stealing a ball from distance without it hitting the ground, and he went up a level when he and Declan Rice did the same over a hotel pool.

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Musical influences

Robbie Williams’ best-known former association with football was Soccer Aid and was Port Vale’s biggest fan, but now it could inspire England.

The pop legend was already in Qatar when Harry Maguire hosted a concert for his teammates where he performed his greatest hits.

Kalvin Phillips said: “Robbie was here with us last night. He was by the pool, he sang a few songs and it was a very good night. I had the chance to chat with him.

“Obviously he’s an incredibly talented person, but he’s also a very nice person. He got along well with everyone. Knowing how big he is, it’s an honor to have him. meet.

Getty Images – Getty

Williams isn’t the only star to inspire England, however, Rice is now friends with ‘The One and Only’ singer Chesney Hawkes.

The two met after Hawkes played at half-time in England’s 6-2 win over Iran, and Rice is keen to keep the lucky charm alive.

“We are friends now – and we have to bring him to games,” said the West Ham midfielder.

“We obviously won comfortably the other night with him there, so we’ll have him singing The One and Only every half. Hopefully we get it back to No. 1 as well.”

AFP

A messy lucky charm

Although England staff and players are doing their best to provide entertainment, an unlucky moment for Luke Shaw could be a tournament highlight for Mason Mount, Saka and Grealish.

Shaw was the unsuspecting recipient of a spoonful of bird poo during a team dinner, leaving his teammates to double down.

It could be good luck, however, with Shaw so far starting every game for England unbeaten.

Instagram: Mason Mount

Hotel parties

It’s not just the English staff who do their best to make the players feel welcome, but also the hotel employees.

Following the team’s 3-0 win over Senegal in the round of 16, the team returned to their hotel with cheery scenes awaiting them as staff carried England shirts, flags and even confetti.

Rice and Grealish joined the dance crew, ensuring the positive vibes were carried in a critical clash with France.

@declanrice

It would be rude not to continue all this fun until December 18th.