Prince William has given a boost to the England football team before they jetted to Qatar for the World Cup, telling them: “I’ll see you in the final”.
The Prince of Wales surprised our tournament hopefuls with a visit to their St George’s Park training base, to issue a rallying cry for the lads to bring the trophy home.
The heir, 40, gave his clearest indication yet that he will be there in person to cheer England on should they reach the final on December 18.
At the team’s Staffordshire training ground on Monday evening William, who is president of the Football Association, led a special presentation of squad numbers to the players including captain Harry Kane, Arsenal ’s Bukayo Saka and Leicester City’ James Maddison.
In a video of the team meeting England manager Gareth Southgate introduced William before the players were then called up one by one.
William posed for an individual photo with each of them.
As World Cup fever begins to finally build, the FA released an official video of Aston Villa fan William telling the team the whole country will be behind them.
The Prince added: “We are all rooting for you. Enjoy it.”
A source in the England camp said: “It was great to have the Prince here with everyone. He’s always been a huge supporter of the team and he always puts everyone at ease.
“He told the boys to go and do their best to bring the trophy home, even saying ‘’l’ll see you in the final!’
“Everyone is confident of going further than ever in the tournament and the support of the Prince of Wales and everyone back home means everything.”
The Prince will not travel to the Middle East in time for England’s opening game against Iran on November 21.
But royal sources close to the future king confirmed the William’s team “would look to see if we can make it work” if England reach the final.
It is likely the prince would travel as part of a delegation of government officials if England do get to the final stage.
The team of global stars boarded a plane yesterday (TUES) morning called ‘Rain Bow’ as they headed to Qatar, in an early act of defiance against the country’s appalling LGBTQ+ rights record.
Manager Gareth Southgate’s men departed from Birmingham Airport on the chartered flight with Virgin Atlantic, to head to the Middle East as they prepare to set up camp just outside the capital, Doha.
