England head for the World Cup in Qatar on plane called ‘Rain Bow’

RAIN BOW: England players boarding a Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus ahead of its departure for the FIFA 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Pic: Joe Giddens/PA Images

England’s World Cup squad have set off for the controversial World Cup in Qatar.

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 hosts is the country’s oppressive laws and treatment of LGBT+ people. The rainbow is the symbol of LGBT+ pride.

A plane called ‘Rain Bow’ is understood to be carrying the England World Cup squad to Qatar (Joe Giddens/PA)

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).