William says England ‘closing in’ on World Cup ambition on training centre visit | OneFootball

The Prince of Wales believes England are “closing in” on their bid for World Cup glory this summer as he met backroom staff supporting the men’s team.

William, patron of the Football Association, made a private visit earlier this month to St George’s Park in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

He chatted to staff working behind the scenes, alongside manager Thomas Tuchel, and praised them for being unsung heroes.

The prince set out his hopes for the men’s team’s first World Cup win in 60 years, declaring: “All of the things are coming in a line now: the Lionesses’ successes that they’ve had, two men’s Euros finals, it kind of feels like we’re closing in on that ambition.”

In footage released on England’s X feed on Wednesday, William met coaches, analysts shaping tactics and performance, and medical, nutrition and sports science teams, telling them: “I just wanted to take the opportunity really to come and see the team behind the team today and say thank you, and good luck to all of you guys who don’t get as much acknowledgement or credit as you deserve.

“Not everyone gets to see all the hard work you put in but the entire success of the players comes from what you guys (do), from the foundations you built, so thank you.”

open image in gallery

The Prince of Wales celebrated Aston Villa’s victory in the Europa League final last week (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)

Tuchel told William during the May 11 visit: “It gets bigger and bigger – the team behind the team – so many specialists, from nutritionists to analysts and set pieces.”

The prince, a passionate football fan who saw his team Aston Villa triumph in the Europa League last week, is rumoured to be travelling to the World Cup, which is being staged in the United States, Canada and Mexico, at some point in July.

He told the crew: “Go with my blessings and my best wishes to all of you. Enjoy it. Look after each other, and give it your best. I’m sure we will do well”, adding, as he pressed his hands together in prayer: “Good luck.”