PRIDE OF LIONS 'YOU HAVE BUILT SOMETHING SPECIAL'

THE PRINCE OF WALES IS FULL OF PRAISE FOLLOWING HIS SPECIAL SEND-OFF TO THE ENGLAND WORLD CUP SQUAD BUT ADMITS HIS LOYALTIES ARE DIVIDED

Prince William has given the England football squad the royal seal of approval ahead of the FIFA World Cup as he told them that he is convinced they will do “something special” in Qatar.

The Prince of Wales – who is president of the FA – paid a surprise visit to the squad at their training camp in St George’s Park in Burton upon Trent shortly before they jetted out to the Middle East last week.

He arrived as manager Gareth Southgate was handing out the players’ shirts bearing their World Cup squad numbers. Being an Aston Villa fan, William seemed particularly pleased to see ex-skipper Jack Grealish.

William, 40, told the team, “What you and Gareth 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. I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you. We are all rooting for you.”

The presentation started with Captain Harry Kane, who received his No.9 shirt inside a bespoke box that included a story of the number and a picture of each player to have worn it at previous World Cups.