Prince of Wales to Support England Men’s Football Team at Euro 2024 in Germany
The Prince of Wales, Prince William, is set to travel to Germany to support the England men’s football team as they face Denmark in the Euro 2024 tournament. As president of the Football Association (FA), William will attend the match at the Frankfurt Arena on June 20, a day before his 42nd birthday, Kensington Palace announced.
Supporting the Team
Prince William, an avid supporter of English football, visited the England squad to wish them luck before their departure to Germany. During his visit to St George’s Park, England’s national football centre in Burton upon Trent, he presented shirts to the team. This gesture underlines his commitment to the national team, as he regularly engages with the players and supports them in significant tournaments.
During the visit, William shared some light-hearted advice from his youngest son, Prince Louis, who suggested the players “eat twice the amount” to boost their chances of victory. This familial touch highlights the Prince’s personal investment in the team’s success.
Solo Trip
The trip to Germany will be a solo one for Prince William, as the Princess of Wales is currently undergoing cancer treatment and is away from public duties. The Waleses’ children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis, will not accompany him due to the match being on a school night.
Past Criticism
William’s decision to attend the Euro 2024 match comes after facing criticism in 2023 for not attending the England women’s team’s World Cup final against Spain in Sydney. The Lionesses had reached the final for the first time, marking a historic moment as no England team had competed in a World Cup final since the men’s victory in 1966. William, despite sending personal messages of support, chose to stay in Norfolk and watch the match from home, leading to backlash from fans and commentators.
Veteran broadcaster Jon Sopel suggested it was “inconceivable” that William and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak would not have traveled to Australia if it had been the men’s team playing. Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope also expressed disappointment, calling it a “shame” that the Prince did not attend in person.
England’s Prospects
The Prince of Wales is known for his passion for football, particularly as a dedicated Aston Villa fan. Although he will not be attending England’s first match of the UEFA tournament against Serbia on Sunday, he will be watching closely from home. His presence at the second match underscores his ongoing support for the national team.
Meanwhile, the King and former England captain David Beckham were overheard discussing England’s chances in the championship at the King’s Foundation awards. Despite England’s recent 1-0 loss to Iceland in their final warm-up friendly, Beckham reassured the King, saying the team would be ready for the tournament, a sentiment the King endorsed with a thumbs up.
A History of Near Misses
The England men’s team has had a history of near-misses in recent major tournaments. They reached the final of Euro 2020, only to lose to Italy on penalties. In the 2022 World Cup, they were eliminated by France in the quarter-finals. These close calls have only heightened the anticipation and hopes for a successful campaign in Euro 2024.
Conclusion
Prince William’s attendance at the Euro 2024 match between England and Denmark symbolizes his steadfast support for English football and the national team. As the England squad prepares to compete, the Prince’s presence will undoubtedly boost morale and underline the importance of the tournament. This gesture of solidarity not only reflects his role as FA president but also his deep personal investment in the sport and the nation’s aspirations on the international stage.