The Prince of Wales led the charge for England’s football team ahead of their departure for Euro 2024 later this week.
Arriving for a surprise visit to St. George’s Park on Monday morning, William met with England’s manager Gareth Southgate and the men who make up the team to present them with their numbers and offer words of support before heading to Germany.
In a meeting with the team, William encouraged them to draw on whatever inspiration they need to win the tournament. “Whatever it is, get that in you right now. Build up on it, pump yourself up because you never know when you might need it.”
He added: “It’s going to be difficult, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be challenging, it’s going to be everything that you’ve ever dreamed of, you know wearing that England shirt, and all the experiences you’ve had at club football… you’re going to have to draw on those experiences you’ve had at club football are going to have to be in the back of your head.
“And I just really want you guys to know how much it means to everyone back here, that you go out there, you give it your all, you play for the shirt, play for each other, play for the country, because everyone’s behind you. We really care about what you’re going to do.”
And while he was offering his own words of encouragement, he passed along some words of advice from Prince Louis: “The best bit of advice I got to ask you was to eat twice the amount you normally would eat.
“So I then had visions of all of you running around with massive great tummies and loads of stitches on the pitch, so I think maybe take my youngest’s advice with a pinch of salt.”
After meeting with the team, William visited with schoolchildren from nearby schools who were taking part in a football festival and celebrating the England football team.
