FIFA WC 2022: England captain Harry Kane & co. jetted off to Qatar on Tuesday after a surprise visit from the Prince of Wales. The 26-member England squad received a huge fan fare from the local supporters before they boarded the team bus to the airport. On the eve of their departure, Prince William had a chat with the members of England’s World Cup squad at St George’s Park to boost their morale ahead of the FIFA WC 2022. Follow Qatar World Cup LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN
William handed over the team shirt to every player on his surprise visit and wished them luck. He said that the entire country will be rooting for the national football team to bring home the World Cup. Incidentally, England has been in a World Cup drought since 1966.
“I’m really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you,” the Prince told the squad.
“We are all rooting for you, enjoy it.”
It is understood that England head coach Gareth Southgate invited the Prince for the visit. The national team boss introduced the Prince to the team and said, “What we are going to do is ask his royal highness to present you with your shirts.”
The England squad were given a special send off by fans as they left their hotel before setting off to Qatar for the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/bjPcoRGdQI
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 15, 2022
FIFA WC 2022: Harry Kane’s England JETS OFF to Qatar World Cup after SURPRISE VISIT from Prince of Wales – Check DETAILS
The England squad, later, posed for the obligatory shirt-handing picture with the Prince. The Three Lions were also pictured in a group photograph with William in the centre with every member in all-smiles.
The Euro 2020 runners-up will begin their campaign at the FIFA WC 2022 against Iran in the Group B fixture on Monday. The Three Lions are placed along with Iran, USA and Wales in the group stage. Their 26-man squad will miss the services of Reece James, Ben Chilwell who are sidelined due to injury while Kyle Walker has been named as a part while nursing with injury.
England Squad for Qatar World Cup:
Goalkeepers: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale;
Defender: Alexander Arnold, Coady, Dier, Maguire, Shaw, Stones, Trippier, White, Walker;
Midfielders: Bellingham, Gallagher, Mount, Phillips, Henderson, Rice;
Forwards: Foden, Grealish, Kane, Maddison, Rashford, Saka, Sterling, Wilson.
