Prince William praised for giving England football team 'boost' with special gift ahead of Qatar World Cup

Prince William has been praised after paying a special visit to the England football team before they head to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

• Prince William has been hailed for giving the England football squad a 'boost' ahead of its journey to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. 
• The Prince of Wales made an exciting visit to the National Football Centre at St. George's Park on Monday, where he presented each member of the Three Lions with their official shirt number for the upcoming tournament. 
• In other royal news, how Mike Tindall’s I’m A Celeb journey ‘crystalizes’ King Charles’ vision for ‘slimmed-down monarchy'.
  

Prince William has been commended for giving the England football squad 'a boost' ahead of its journey to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup 2022. 

The Prince of Wales traveled to St. George's Park, the England National Football Centre at Burton Upon Trent, to surprise the Three Lions before they fly to Doha on Tuesday - and to assist with a very special presentation ceremony. The exciting appearance comes a few weeks after it was confirmed that the future King would not be attending the World Cup in Qatar, due to conflicts with his 'busy winter schedule.' 

Kensington Palace did say there was potential that his diary could be revised, however, depending on England's performance in the iconic competition. 

Whether he attends the World Cup 2022 in the end or not, William's support for the Three Lions ahead of the big event was hard to ignore yesterday. 

In a video shared on the Prince and Princess of Wales's official Instagram on Tuesday, the 41-year-old can been beaming as England football manager, Gareth Southgate, formally introduces him to the team. 

After presenting each of the 26 players with their official shirt numbers, William delivered some reassuring words on behalf of the nation. 

"I'm really here to point out that the rest of the country is behind you," he said. "We are all rooting for you, enjoy it." The prince also shook hands with all the players and posed for photos. 

"How exciting! I'm sure His Royal Highness gave everyone the boost they needed for the World Cup," one person commented, while another said, "Just love your caring nature, William." 

The Lions set off for Qatar on Tuesday morning, before heading to their first training session at the Al Wakrah sports center on Wednesday. Their first game, which will see the squad take on Iran, will take place next Monday. 

It was confirmed last month that Prince William has 'no plans' to attend the World Cup 2022 in Qatar, amid ongoing controversy over the Middle Eastern country's history of human rights abuses and treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. The tournament also conflicts with his upcoming trip to the US at the end of November, where he will present the Earthshot prize in Boston.