Prince William wishes England squad luck in surprise visit at St George’s Park before they jet off to Qatar World Cup
PRINCE William wished the England squad luck in a surprise visit to St George’s Park ahead of the team jetting off to the Qatar World Cup.
The Three Lions are flying to Doha today, but Wills managed to sneak a wee visit in to see the boys off last night.
To the players’ surprise, the Prince of Wales handed them their shirts – before wishing them all luck.
Wills told the squad: “I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you.
“We are all rooting for you, enjoy it.”
He had been invited to the private meet up at St George’s Park by team boss Gareth Southgate.
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The England manager introduced Wills, then said: “What we are going to do is ask his royal highness to present you with your shirts.”
The players were then called up one by one.
In clips of the exclusive ceremony, Wills could also be seen chatting to the team – who were naturally all smiles.
He was photographed yacking away to the likes of captain Harry Kane, as well as players Jack Grealish and Nick Pope.
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The obligatory shirt-handing photos were snapped after each of the team mates shook the prince’s hand.
They also got a group shot at the end – with Wills in the middle – and all had smiles from ear-to-ear.
A Nike Town event was also held at the park last night, and the footballers were all in good spirits as they put their premiere league differences aside.
They were photographed all posing together, looking eager to jet off.
The team fly to Doha today, before their first training session at the Al Wakrah sports complex tomorrow.
The Three Lions kick off their campaign against Iran next Monday.
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Further group fixtures against the USA and Wales follow.
Southgate announced his 26-man squad for the tournament last Thursday.
