If you thought Queen Elizabeth wasn’t a football fan, you were wrong! Just ahead of the Euro 2020 final, the long-time monarch sent out her good wishes to Team England.
Only a day before the final, the royal family’s official Instagram page featured a personalized note from the Queen to Gareth Southgate, who is now the team manager. Back in 1966, Gareth was also the person who led Team England to their first tournament final and consequential World Cup win.
The Independent | Team England came locked and loaded to win the cup this year
The Queen’s Message
The monarch took a stroll down memory lane 55 years earlier when she had presented the World Cup to Bobby Moore, who was then the team captain – a position he held for over ten years. Referencing the big win, she also mentioned how delighted the players, management, and support staff had been at England having won the big international football tournament.
The message continued with the Queen sending forth her and her family’s congratulations to the team for reaching the prestigious European Championship's final. She added an extra wish for the forthcoming day, chiding the team that the day would mark their success and their pride, commitment, and spirit.
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Prince William Chimes In
The heir to the throne, Prince William, also happens to be the President of the Football Association. As such, congratulatory remarks were naturally in order. Marveling at Team England’s efforts and progress throughout the Championship, the Prince promised that the country would “rally behind them” for the finals. The post also referenced the song Football’s Coming Home by Three Lions with the hashtag #ItsComingHome. The English band released this song to mark the year England hosted the European Championship.
Prince William has kept a close eye on most, if not all, games through the season. Just recently, he was spotted with Kate Middleton and Prince George at England’s victory match against Germany. Even then, the royal had taken to Instagram to share a picture of the trio smiling and clapping from the stands. Before that, he attended England’s semi-final match against Denmark with the Dutch Prince Frederick, his wife Princess Mary, as well as their son, Prince Christian.
Getty Images | You can even spot Ed Sheeran and David Beckham in the background!
England in Euro 2020
For the final face-off, England battled against Italy in London’s Wembley Stadium on Sunday 11th July 2021. Unfortunately for the team and the nation, however, it just wasn't written in the cards this time. Although the team played wholeheartedly until the end, a penalty shootout sealed Italy as the Euro Championship 2020.
