Singer Ed Sheeran has made a habit of popping in to see the England lads at training camps, and gave them a pre-World Cup quarter final private gig earlier this week
Pop sensation Ed Sheeran has given England's World Cup chances a boost – by playing a private gig for the squad. Ahead of the team's crucial knockout game against Norway on Saturday, the football-loving guitar hero turned up at the squad's training base in Kansas City, Missouri to give them a special set.
In a video posted on the FA's YouTube channel, Sheeran explained how he's been popping into the camps since 2021, when his friend – and the world's best striker – Harry Kane brought him in.
He said: “Harry got me down to the camp and I met everyone, and I've been down to every one since – it's been great. It's been a nice little tradition. The first time I played for the lads in 2021, we bonded, so it's never a tough crowd.”
The video cuts to Sheeran singing and acoustic version of Castle on the Hill, while the players and family watch on.
Ivan Tony and Elliot Anderson were both seen clapping, while Sheeran was t hen seen posing with the full squad, as Harry Kane and John Stones stood either side of him.
He was then asked how he thought England would fare in the tournament, and he said: “I think it will be England/France final, and if you get to the final than anyone can win . . . and I think it will be us.”
The gig was met with the usual British humour online, as one person commented: “Team building that is, backs to the wall, every man an emperor, bulldog spirit, spirit of the battle of Britain...surviving a full Ed Sheeran set. Makes me proud to be English.”
Another wrote: “Putting them through an Ed Sheeran gig to get the team mentally ready for the Norway game? I see you.” And a third posted: “Imagine having to ensure Ed Sheeran as part of your recovery. Id be even more exhausted after that ordeal.”
England take on Norway at 10pm UK time on Saturday, with a potential semi-final clash against Argentina waiting in the wings should Lionel Messi and his side get past a tough Switzerland team.
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