England receive an early World Cup boost as Walker trains on their first day

England's World Cup squad took part in an open training session in their Qatar basecamp today, as they prepare for their first match against Iran in just five days time.

Earlier in the day, the Three Lions squad were seen performing stretches outside of the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli early on Wednesday morning in the Doha sunshine, as part of their recovery session.

The squad completed a light training practice after arriving last night, before further preparations got underway at their Al Wakrah training facility later today.

Gareth Southgate's side touched down in the Qatari capital at around 8.30pm local time (5.30pm GMT) last night and looked in a relaxed mood as they exited the plane.

After landing in Doha last night, England then boarded a bus and travelled to their team hotel, where they were greeted by fans as they arrived.

Southgate waved to many of the supporters who had gathered outside the Souq Al Wakra Hotel Qatar by Tivoli - a location he had selected as the team hotel after five previous visits.

Local football fans decided to serenade Southgate and his team with England's iconic ''Football's Coming Home' song to make them feel welcome as they stepped off the bus outside the hotel on Tuesday evening.

Staff members of the Souq Al Wakra Hotel gathered in the reception area and applauded the team as they entered the building.

Southgate and his players were handed flowers upon their arrival and tried some of the local delicacies before settling into their rooms.

Southgate's decision to stay at the Souq Al Wakra Hotel was largely based on logistics and transport links, with his chosen hotel a short drive from eight of the 10 tournament venues.

The hotel - which describes itself as 'an elegant seaside stay' - has access to a private beach and offers an on-site spa for full body scrubs with relaxing strokes, foot rituals, facials, reflexology and hot-stone journeys.

In addition, there are five restaurants, some with a sea view, with Western favourites or Arabic and Levantine dishes such mezze plates, mixed grill or local dish sawani.

Southgate's side left the national team training ground at St George's Park on Tuesday morning and headed out onto the team coach, where a huge group of supporters were waiting to cheer them on.

They headed from their Staffordshire base to Birmingham Airport, where they stepped onto their flight to Doha.

England arrived in Doha on a Gay Pride jet - a 'Rain Bow' Virgin Atlantic A350 Airbus - in a show of defiance over the host nation amid concerns over the treatment of LGBTQ+ people at the tournament.

FA chiefs proposed the idea of the Gay Pride plane to highlight concerns over gay rights in Qatar, where same-sex relationships remain a criminal offence and whose World Cup Ambassador last week said homosexuality is 'damage in the mind'.

Earlier that day, they had heard a rousing speech from Prince William and received encouragement from a large group of young fans as they departed St George's Park.

Addressing the players, Prince William said: 'What you and Gareth have built here is something special, that's clear to see.

'Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I'm sure you'll go far.'

'I'm really here to point out the rest of the country is behind you, we're all rooting for you. Enjoy it.'

Speaking before they departed, England captain Harry Kane said: 'I'm excited. The World Cup is a special occasion. Obviously we're flying out today. So I'm really excited.

'For most professional players, its the biggest tournament you can play in. I've been lucky enough to do one and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. And I can't wait to get out this weather and get some sun!'

After the players boarded the two coaches, they set off for the airport as the eager fans waved their flags and chanted 'England! England! England!'.