Qatar 2022 World Cup: England boss Gareth Southgate unsure what boycott would achieve

England manager Gareth Southgate has said he is unsure what a boycott of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar would achieve.

The host nation's human rights record has been a recurring subject since it was awarded the tournament and England skipper Harry Kane has said he wants to «shine a light» on the issue.

But Southgate believes withdrawing from the tournament would not help matters.

«I don't know what that achieves — it would be a big story but the tournament would go ahead,» Southgate said.

«It's possible, but it's not a decision that the players or myself would make.»

Homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, while women's rights are also a subject of ongoing debate.

Additionally, a report in the Guardianexternal-link last year claimed 6,500 migrant workers have died in the country since it was awarded the World Cup 12 years ago — although Qatar disputes those figures.

«Whatever we do we will be criticised but we will try to do our best. There are things which are cultural and religious which will be hard to change,» added Southgate.

«The biggest issue, which is non-religious and non-cultural, is what happened with the building of the stadiums — and there is nothing we can do about that either, sadly.

»We have got to use our voice in the right way at the right time."

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson suggested captains of European nations, at both club and national-team level, could come together in a show of unity during the tournament.

He also praised Kane's leadership in highlighting the issue among the Three Lions squad.

«Harry spoke very honestly on it. There's a possibility of doing something with other European countries. I'm sure we will have those conversations,» said the 31-year-old midfielder.

«Harry [Kane] will speak to the other