England manager Gareth Southgate won't be gagged from speaking about human rights issues in Qatar during the 2022 World Cup - despite FIFA telling nations to focus on football.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently penned a letter to all 32 countries competing in the controversial tournament, urging them to "let football take the stage." But England boss Southgate has issued a firm response to football's global governing body, having been asked shortly after he named his final squad for the World Cup on Thursday if the Three Lions would comply with FIFA's plea.
"I think that's highly unlikely," Southgate, 52, told reporters at St George's Park. "Contrary to one or two observations in the last few weeks we have spoken about the human rights challenges and been very clear on our standpoint.
