DOHA, Nov 21 — European heavyweights England and the Netherlands launch their World Cup campaigns today as the tournament in Qatar shifts into a higher gear after a dispiriting defeat for the hosts.

Asian champions Qatar became the first home nation to lose their opening World Cup match as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory yesterday, with veteran forward Enner Valencia scoring twice.

England, who meet Iran in Group B, will be desperate to start strongly as they target an end to their decades-long trophy drought after two near misses in recent years.

Gareth Southgate’s men made a surprise run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals in Russia before reaching their first major final for 55 years at last year’s European Championship.

Despite his success as England boss, Southgate has faced criticism over his perceived negative tactics and pressure has mounted after a poor run of results.

"The first thing for a coach is to enable (the team) to win,” he said. "Then of course you want to play football that excites people, that players enjoy.

"Our challenge is to give supporters a tournament that is memorable. We have taken them on a fantastic ride in the last two tournaments.”

With tougher matches to come against the United States and Wales, England cannot afford a slow start against Iran at the Khalifa International Stadium.

England’s opener takes place against the background of deadly demonstrations in the Islamic republic.

Iran’s clerical leadership has been shaken by more than two months of women-led protests sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman of Kurdish origin who had been arrested by the morality police in Tehran.

The Iran players will be watched closely for signs of any support for the protests.

Defender Ehsan Hajsafi said: "They should know that we sympathise with them,” adding that "conditions at home are not good”.

Ronaldo plays down United row

Cristiano Ronaldo insisted that his recent spat with Manchester United coach would not overshadow Portugal’s preparations for their opening match with Ghana on Thursday.

Superstar Ronaldo will spearhead Portugal’s attack at what will likely be his last World Cup, fresh from blasting United’s owners and coach Erik ten Hag in a TV interview.

The 37-year-old has been reduced to a peripheral role at United this season and was suspended for a match by the Premier League club after refusing to come on as a substitute against Tottenham last month.

"I have no doubt that this recent episode, that interview, and other episodes with other players that happen sometimes, can sometimes shake the player but won’t shake the team,” Ronaldo said at a press conference at the Portugal camp.

The other game in England’s Group B pits the USA against Gareth Bale’s Wales, who are playing in their first World Cup since 1958.

Captain Bale said he hoped to inspire a new generation of Welsh footballers.

"Everyone’s dreamt of it for such a long time,” said the former Real Madrid forward. "We’ve had so many close calls. For us to be the team to get over the line was incredible.

"But more importantly the best thing (is) to grow football in our country, to inspire another generation. By doing that hopefully we’re going to have a stronger national team in the future.”

The Netherlands take on Senegal in Group A, with the African champions missing their injured talisman, Sadio Mane, who has been ruled out of the tournament.

The Dutch failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia in 2018 but the three-time runners-up are back in business under veteran manager Louis van Gaal, who led the team to the semi-finals in 2014.

"We have to believe in our qualities and ourselves and be confident,” said centre-back Virgil van Dijk.

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse was bullish about his side’s chances despite the absence of Mane.

"Of course we won’t hide the importance of Sadio Mane for the Senegalese team — he’s very important, a coach builds his team around his best players,” said Cisse.

"But there’s also a group here with experienced players, with young players ready to step up. We’ve had to play matches before without Sadio Mane.” — AFP