England could play in World Cup on same date as Fury v Joshua

The pubs are certainly going to be full later on this year, as it looks like England could play in the World Cup on the same date as the Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury fight.

Earlier today, Joshua's management team, 258 MGT, confirmed the boxing champions will go head-to-head.

As for the dates, the firm said it had 'accepted all terms' presented by Fury’s team for a match on 3 December.

But anyone who's been following the World Cup dates will know that the knock-out stage begins on the exact same day.

Joshua-Fury update:

258 and @MatchroomBoxing can confirm, on behalf of @anthonyjoshua, that we accepted all terms presented to us by Fury’s team for a fight Dec 3rd last Friday.

Due to the Queen’s passing, it was agreed to halt all communication.

We are awaiting a response.

— 258MGT (@258mgt) September 13, 2022

Now, nothing has been set in stone as of yet - firstly, Joshua and Fury's teams have agreed to 'halt all communication' following the death of the Queen.

"We are awaiting a response," 258 MGT added.

Secondly, the 3 December knock-out stage will see the winners of Group A competing against the runners up of Group B.

And since England is in Group B, they'd have to come second in their match against Iran if they are to be on the schedule that day.

If these circumstances do play out, well, fans of both football and boxing are going to have a tough decision to make.

Joshua was originally set to fight Fury in August 2021, but an arbitration judge ruling put a spanner in the works when it was determined Deontay Wilder was contractually entitled to a third fight against The Gypsy King.

Yea calm. I don’t do the online discussions just for clout, so if your really about it shout @258mgt. I’ll be ready in December. Khalas https://t.co/kKCWdrlmol

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) September 5, 2022

While the two heavyweights put up a good fight, eventually Fury came out on top with an 11th-round knockout.

The World Cup, meanwhile, is taking place in winter this year due to the high summer temperatures of host country Qatar.

As said, England landed in Group B, which also features USA, Iran and Wales.

The Three Lions will get their campaign under way on Monday 21 November - the first day of the tournament - with a match against Iran, which will kick-off at 1pm UK time.

For the lucky punters who make it to the country to see the games live, be sure to respect and follow the rules of the country or you might just end up with a far longer stay than intended.

That includes having some mid-match bevvies - while alcoholic beer will be sold outside of the venues before and after the matches, there will be a complete ban on the stadiums inside. 

As for beers of the nose variety, fans have been told that those who try to smuggle drugs into the country could face a lengthy prison sentence.

The UK government has warned travellers about the stringent laws in Qatar and the security measures that are in place upon entering.

On the government website, it states: "There is zero tolerance for drugs-related offences. The penalties for the use of, trafficking, smuggling and possession of drugs (even residual amounts) are severe.

"Punishment can include lengthy custodial sentences, heavy fines and deportation. Many people transit via Hamad International Airport on their way to other destinations.

"The airport makes use of the latest security technology, all bags are scanned and transiting passengers carrying even residual amounts of drugs may be arrested."