Prince William will fly to World Cup to watch England on one condition | Football | Sport
Prince William has promised to fly out to watch England at the World Cup if they reach the final. The Prince of Wales says he will definitely be there if the Three Lions manage to win three more knockout games.
England edged past the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the round of 32 after finishing first in their group and now face Mexico in the round of 16. Thomas Tuchel’s team would have to win that match in Mexico City, as well as a quarter-final and a semi-final, to reach the final, which is taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on 19 July.
During an appearance on the New Heights podcast, Prince William was asked about whether he plans to attend if England make it that far. The podcast’s co-host, Travis Kelce, asked: “They make it to the finals, you’re gonna make the trip across the pond?”
The prince responded: “Definitely. If we’re in the finals,” to which Kelce reacted: “Oh, I love it, man”. Its other co-host, Jason Kelce, added: “Well, maybe. Maybe. See you both there for the final”.
Prince William has high hopes for England in North America and is feeling “quietly confident”. Asked what would be success for the national team, he said: “I think winning it”.
Thomas Tuchel also received rave reviews from the member of the Royal Family compared to Gareth Southgate. The prince said: “He’s got them into a really good frame of mind. The team playing with more freedom, more fluidity…”
Thomas, I think, prefers to go a bit more out there – and if we lose, we lose playing the way we want to play. And if you’re going to score four goals, we’ll score five. And I think that’s a really good attitude.”
Harry Kane also received the royal approval. Prince William said: “Harry Kane could end up being one of the greatest English strikers we’ve ever seen.”
On the tournament as a whole, speaking soon after it started, he said: “It’s fantastic. I think it’s been a brilliant World Cup. It’s been really well started, and I think the tournament’s been well balanced.”
He also praised their stadia. The prince said: “I think the scale of your stadiums, I think the size of them is really going to be quite a culture shock for a lot of fans. We really know our football, so to see stadiums that are bigger and kind of an amazing atmosphere that we can also emulate here, that’s quite a big deal.”
