Three Lions get Royal send-off for EURO 2024

The England squad had a special visitor to St. George’s Park on Monday morning, as HRH The Prince of Wales met the players, coaching staff and support team before their departure to Germany for UEFA EURO 2024.

To get a memorable farewell underway, HRH The Prince of Wales arrived at St. George’s Park to wish Gareth, the coaches, staff and players the very best of luck in EURO 2024, presenting each player with commemorative shirts. 

Addressing the squad, HRH The Prince of Wales said: “It's going to be difficult, going to be fun, going to be challenging. It's going to be everything you ever dreamed of wearing an England shirt. All of the experiences you've had in club football — you're going to need them in the back of your head to draw from. 

"I just want you guys to know how much it means to everyone back here that you go out there, give it your all, play for your shirt, play for each other, play for your country — because everyone is behind you and really cares about what you're going to do.”

Three Lions captain Harry Kane was first to be greeted by HRH, before the rest of the squad followed on in their squad number order.

For players such as Kyle Walker, John Stones and Kane, EURO 2024 will be their fifth major tournament with England while for eleven players in the squad it will be their first.

There was also a special presentation made by HRH to Southgate to commemorate reaching the milestone of 150 matches as a player (57) and manager (93) in the international with Belgium at Wembley in March.

After meeting the squad, HRH spent time with some local youngsters who were playing a tournament at St. George’s Park. Over 100 children representing schools and clubs locally were invited to be part of the send-off event and were given the opportunity to play on the David Beckham pitch. The grassroots group later headed over to the hotel, proudly waving their England flags and cheering to give the players a lasting memory as the squad boarded the team coach.