'The players loved it!': Gareth Southgate on England’s World Cup game inspired by The Traitors
Former England manager Gareth Southgate shared that his squad found a unique way to unwind during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar: by playing their own version of the BBC show The Traitors.
The team’s adaptation, called Wolves and Villagers, mirrored the show’s format, where participants are secretly split into “Faithfuls” and “Traitors.” The Faithfuls must identify and eliminate the Traitors before being “murdered” during the game’s night rounds.
A surprise guest joins the fun
During the tournament, international pop star Robbie Williams paid a surprise visit to the England squad at their Doha hotel, lifting spirits before their quarter-final clash with France.
Williams serenaded the players by the pool and then joined their card game, jokingly naming captain Harry Kane as a “werewolf.”
Southgate recalled the visit as a lighthearted break that brought the team closer together and boosted morale during a tense stage of the competition.
Entertainment and team spirit
Williams’ visit and the playful adaptation of The Traitors became one of the team’s memorable moments in Qatar, offering laughter and unity in between demanding matches and practice sessions.
Author’s Summary: Southgate revealed that England’s players relaxed during the 2022 World Cup by playing a version of The Traitors, joined for one unforgettable evening by Robbie Williams.