'I'm having fun in the sun and feel safe in Qatar, as it defeats the pre-World Cup taunts'

I passed two Saudis debating football with an American on the streets of downtown Doha on Friday night.

Revellers from a mix of World Cup countries surrounded them, singing, dancing and interacting on the approach to the Souq Waqif, the city’s rich, cultural hub.

Then I remembered the footage I’d seen a few hours earlier, of England and Wales fans – some barely able to stand –fighting in Tenerife. Also the supporters, on their way to the England v USA game on Friday, belting out the first expletive-laden chants I’ve heard since I arrived in Qatar two weeks ago.