Gareth Southgate says it is vital that sections of England’s support are given stronger assurances about their safety at the World Cup in Qatar, and that it will be “horrible” if people feel unable to travel because of human rights concerns. Among the many issues clouding this winter’s tournament is the fact that homosexuality is illegal in Qatar, while there are also serious problems surrounding women’s rights. While officials in the country have repeatedly stated that all supporters will be safe, there remains significant disquiet. Southgate explained that he has researched the problems that have caused alarm since Qatar was awarded hosting rights in 2010. “I think I’m quite clear on the areas of concern about this tournament,” he said. “The building of the stadiums was the first, and there’s nothing we can do about that now. They’re built. There are obviously ongoing concerns about the rights of workers and the conditions they live in and those areas. It seems universally accepted that’s better than it was, but not in the position where people think it could be. And maybe policies that have been put in place are not always enforced as they might be. “Then there are the issues that potentially threaten our fans when they travel: the rights of women and the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in particular. Sadly, through discussions that I’ve had, I don’t think some of those communities are going to go and that’s a great shame. “We stand for inclusivity as a team – that’s been the big driver of a lot of the stances we’ve taken in the last couple of years – and it would be horrible to think some of our fans feel they can’t go because they feel threatened or they’re worried about their safety. So there needs to be some clarity and some better communication that they are going to be safe, because they’re not feeling that.” Southgate said his squad, who will face Switzerland and Ivory Coast in friendlies during the forthcoming international break, will be apprised of these issues in particular. “What we’re going to try to do with the players is highlight that we think those are going to be the key areas,” he said. “There might be one or two others too.” The nature of any stand England might make to raise awareness, whether in Qatar or before, remains open to discussion. Denmark are displaying messages critical of Qatar on their training kit and reducing commercial activity around the event; Southgate said any display has to be meaningful but that there is also a limit to what he and his players can do, although talks are continuing. “I’m not sure that just wearing a T-shirt makes a difference,” he said. “I don’t totally know what we can do in every aspect. I think we have to be realistic about what that might be. There are some things we’re not going to be able to affect. Maybe there are some things we can affect; if we can and we think they’re worthwhile, we’ll try to do that. Without a doubt, one of the priorities in my mind is our own fans and how they’re going to be dealt with in particular. “Despite contradictory reports we are in regular contact with the NGOs. There are lots of conversations with organisations like Amnesty, so it’s not correct when they say discussions aren’t taking place. We’re trying to do the best we can. We’re going to get criticism here whatever happens. It won’t be deemed enough but we have always tried to affect things in the right way.” On the pitch Southgate is heartened by the fact that Harry Kane, whose form earlier in the season was a concern, is close to his best again. The England captain has scored seven in as many games at club level, suggesting he has shaken off any malaise brought about by his failed attempt to leave Tottenham last summer. “It’s been good to see Harry scoring,” Southgate said. “He’s always a happier animal when he comes in if he’s been scoring. Physically, the way Antonio [Conte] works and trains the team, I think that will have been good for Harry, to help get the best level out of him.”