Qatar World Cup: Swindon Town fan reveals what life is like at event

Sam Skeates, 34, has been in Qatar since the second group stage matches of the global tournament and told the Adver last week that he was staying put 'until England win the trophy'.

The Three Lions fan has now revealed what the living scenario has been and continues to be like during his hopefully lengthy stay in the Middle Eastern country.

“I only had accommodation booked until Monday, December 5, as it is none refundable,” said Sam.

“Up until now I have paid £30 a night and had a large apartment at a residence called Barwa Barahat.”

Sam's first accommodation in Qatar was at Barwa Barahat. (Image: Sam Skeates)

Despite expectations before arriving, the Qatari accommodation has proved to be quite the hit with Sam and his travelling party.

“We were expecting it to only be a small basic room with a shared bathroom, but our apartment was large with our own ensuite shower and toilet,” he said.

“Getting to the games from Barwa Barahat was so easy too as there was literally a shuttle bus almost outside our apartment that took us straight to the stadiums or the metro.

“The site itself had everything you needed from a laundrette to eateries such as a chicken shop, curry house and more foods from different parts of the world.”

Sam's first room in Qatar was simple in its décor but clean. (Image: Sam Skeates)

Sam has since moved accommodations now that the initial matches are over, settling for a shared apartment with fellow fans.

“I moved into new accommodation this week as I will have more time on my hands with fewer games being played and less regularly,” he explained.

“I have joined 9 other England fans in a shared apartment and the building is much bigger and also has a swimming pool, so I am looking forward to relaxing.”

Sam's new shared apartment in Qatar is already decked out with an England flag. (Image: Sam Skeates)

Each night at the new place is priced at £60 and Sam has no intention of departing the accommodation any time soon.

“I won’t be booking the return ticket until after the semi-final unless we get sent packing before then,” Sam laughed.

Having now been to over 20 matches at the tournament, the Swindonian is now focusing on just the England games as the competition draws to a dramatic close.

Sam's new room is less plain, featuring bigger beds. (Image: Sam Skeates)

The most recent of these games was in the round of 16 whereby England battled to a confident 3-0 win against African champions Senegal.

“The experience of the Senegal game was unbelievable and we came out controlling the ball, especially across the middle,” recalled Sam.

“On paper I would say that Senegal are the best team we have played but once we broke them down, we were unstoppable.”

Sam is looking forward to chilling by the pool on days when there are no matches. (Image: Sam Skeates)

Qatar is not the first World Cup that Sam has been lucky enough to attend, with the Town fan also attending the previous edition in Russia four years ago.

“Russia was my first World Cup and was a great experience, but I couldn’t watch any games there other than England’s matches,” he said.

“The Russia World Cup can only be topped however if England can get to the semi-finals at least or go on to win the whole thing.”

The Al Bayt Stadium was packed out to see England take on Senegal in the World Cup knockout rounds. (Image: Sam Skeates)

England’s next match is against the 2018 Russia World Cup holders France in the quarter-final stage and Sam believes that Gareth Southgate’s team are still in with a shout.

“Kyle Walker could be the key to England progressing on Saturday,” he said.

“If he can keep up with Kylian Mbappe and keep him out of the game, then England have a great opportunity to progress to the semi-finals.”

The Three Lions take on France at the Al Bayt Stadium in Qatar on Saturday, December 10, with a scheduled kick-off of 7pm GMT.