Prince of Wales visited the England squad ahead of flight to World Cup
Prince of Wales visited the England squad at St George’s Park ahead of their trip to the World Cup. William joined a private meeting at the team’s Staffordshire training ground on Monday evening. During the ceremony William received an England shirt in return signed by all the players, many of whom he has met before during previous visits to their Staffordshire training ground.
The prince also told the players: “What you and (manager) Gareth (Southgate) have built here is something special, that’s clear to see. Play for each other, support each other, enjoy it, and I’m sure you’ll go far.” England manager Gareth Southgate introduced William, who then presented the players with their shirts. “What we are going to do is ask His Royal Highness to present you with your shirts,” he said. The players were then called up one by one, and William posed for an individual photo with each of them.
Skipper Kane received his number nine shirt in a bespoke box that told the story of the number and included a picture of each player to have worn it at previous World Cups. William handed out the shirts from number one for goalkeeper Jordan Pickford right through to number 26 for Conor Gallagher. After the presentation, he told the team the whole country is behind them. He said: “We are all rooting for you. Enjoy it.”
