THREE LIONS Wags will be given a “ring of steel” when they support England’s bid for World Cup glory.
We can reveal many wives and girlfriends of England’s superstar players will have private security when they head out to Qatar next month.
Some are paying for their own bodyguards, while SunSport understands the Football Association will also stump up cash to ensure players’ families are protected.
Sources say security teams will be tasked to protect the families from robberies, and to ensure they don’t fall foul of the strict laws that exist in the Arabian Gulf.
A source said: “There will be a ring of steel around the Wags. Many of the players are paying for their own security and the FA are taking steps too.
“Remember, a lot of the wives and girlfriends flying out there will be taking jewellery and clothing worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. This makes them a target for robbers and criminals.”
Read More Football Stories
The source added: “It’s very common now for players to take bodyguards on holiday with them, so having them at the World Cup, where the Wags could be for weeks, is the ultimate insurance policy.
“It will help give the players a bit of peace of mind too and be able to concentrate on the football.“
Last month The Sun told how many of the Three Lions Wags will enjoy a life of luxury aboard a €1billion cruise liner during this winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
Several of the England players’ partners and families are set to be based on the MSC World Europa, described as a “floating palace”.
Most read in Football
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
It has six pools, 14 ocean-view jacuzzis, dodgems, salons, boutiques, restaurants, bars and the longest dry-slide at sea.
It will float around the Arabian Gulf with passengers able to be ferried to shore for any games.
There is usually a booze ban in Qatar that can land flouters in jail, though “select areas” will allow it for the World Cup.
But because the liner is “offshore”, guests can drink alcohol stress-free and sunbathe, unlike at some hotels. Guests could include model Anna Modler, 24, who is dating defender Eric Dier, and air hostess Georgina Irwin, 26, who is engaged to goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Packages will cost players’ families €6,500 (£5,600) each – a snip for England’s mega-rich footballers.
Phil Foden’s girlfriend Rebecca Cooke, 22, is among those to have reportedly expressed an interest in staying on it along with the Manchester City ace’s family.
Fern Maguire, 27, is also expected in the Middle East to support hubby Harry during the tournament, which starts in November.
While some partners are likely to stay in nearby Dubai and fly in for matches, several have opted to make the MSC World Europa their base.
Speaking to The Sun on Sunday earlier this year a source said: “The boat is an amazing place to stay. It is like a floating palace, which is why many of the players’ wives and families quickly snapped up packages that the Football Association arranged.
“Those staying on the boat can have at least five people with them and also pay for extra guests too. It means nannies and other family members are likely to be heading out to Qatar as well.
“Due to the fact the boat is off shore, guests can have a drink and enjoy themselves without having to worry about falling foul of Qatar’s strict laws.
“In many of the bars and clubs around Qatar, you can’t even cheer let alone order a beer. And they certainly don’t like football songs.
“And many hotels aren’t even allowed sunbathing areas. But by staying on the boat, guests just relax and have a great time.
“If England do go all the way, it’s likely to become like a carnival on board.”
The ship can hold 6,762 guests and many fans are reported to still be trying to book rooms. Prices start at about €300 (£260) a night for a double/twin but rise to €690 (£600).
Those staying on the 205,700- tonne ship are promised a “globally inspired urban design” and a “world of immersive experiences”.
One of the highlights on deck, especially for children, is an incredible 11-deck high slide called The Venom Drop. Other water slides are also available. A Sportplex zone will offer basketball, bumper cars and even a roller disco rink.
Read More on The Sun
Swimming pools, which include one inside with a sliding roof, have themes including “botanic garden”, “zen” or “beach vibes”.
Gareth Southgate will name a 26-man squad for Qatar. Their first match will be against Iran on November 21 at Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium, the day after the tournament starts.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
