HRH The Duke of Cambridge has issued his support to Roy Hodgson’s England side ahead of next month’s World Cup finals in Brazil.
The Three Lions leave these shores for Miami on Sunday afternoon for a week-long training camp, and Prince William visited the England dressing room after their 3-0 win over Peru on Friday to wish the players well.
In the video, HRH Duke of Cambridge praised The FA’s work in supporting grassroots football and called for the country to enjoy playing themselves on the Reds v Blues weekend of football celebration on 6 and 7 June.
The weekend aims to inspire people of all ages and abilities to sign up and represent a Red or Blue team before playing football in whatever form they wish – from kickabouts in gardens to organised 5-a-side and 11-a-side matches.
“I wish Roy, his staff and the squad all the very best, starting with their first match against Italy on 14 June”
HRH Duke of Cambridge FA President
Of his excitement ahead of Brazil and his World Cup memories, HRH The Duke of Cambridge, said: "The World Cup is an amazing moment for the nation to come together.
"It is truly a global festival of football and where the great names take their chance to shine.
"As the President of The Football Association, I am proud to be associated with the England team. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens in Brazil this summer."
He added: "Having spent some time with the England players after the Peru game at Wembley, I am sure they will be ready for the challenge.
"I wish Roy, his staff and the squad all the very best, starting with their first match against Italy on 14 June.
"And also to Howard Webb and his team, who remind us that we are up there with the best when it comes to refereeing.
"To the thousands of England fans making the long trip out in support, I hope you have a great time and see some amazing football."
The FA's Reds v Blues weekend is part of the wider Love Football Play Football weekend on 6 and 7 June
With excitement building for the big kick-off on 12 June, The Duke encouraged people to support The FA’s Reds v Blues campaign to get more people playing football.
He said: "Although not everyone can play in the World Cup, people of all abilities can enjoy the simple pleasure of getting together to kick a ball around.
"Supporting grassroots football and its 400,000 volunteers is hugely important to this game - as I saw at first hand in my grandmother’s back garden last year!
"The FA is using the World Cup to get people playing the game and players of all ages and abilities are being encouraged to take part in football matches on Reds v Blues day next weekend.
"I can assure you that George and I will be having a go ourselves with this special red and blue ball, one of thousands being given away by The FA.
"Whatever your club colours, I am sure we will all be supporting the Three Lions this summer. Good luck England!"
Club England managing director Adrian Bevington said: "Roy and the players were delighted HRH The Duke of Cambridge visited the dressing room after the Peru match. He spent time speaking to every member of the squad which they really appreciated.
"The squad head to Miami on an extremely positive note, after a fantastic send-off from a 83,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium and we know we have great support across the country.
"With the World Cup starting in under two weeks, excitement is mounting for everyone - and the England squad is no different."
