**Sheeran Keeps Up England Tradition with World Cup Camp Visit**
In a delightful break from their rigorous training schedule, the England national football team welcomed British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran to their World Cup base in Kansas City last week. The visit provided a refreshing musical interlude for the players and coaching staff ahead of their intense round-of-16 match against Mexico, which they won 3-2 on Sunday.
The England team shared a video of Sheeran's performance on their official app on Tuesday, showcasing the 35-year-old artist singing his popular track "Castle on the Hill." This visit marks a continuation of a tradition that began in 2021 when Sheeran first performed for the team during their Euro 2020 preparations.
Reflecting on his experiences with the team, Sheeran expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing relationship he has developed with the players. "Do you know what? 2021, Harry (Kane, England’s captain) got me down for the Euros camp, and then I met everyone, and then I’ve just been to every one since, and it’s been great," he stated in an interview with England's in-house media. "It’s been a nice little tradition. First time I played for the lads in 2021 we bonded, and so it’s never a tough crowd."
Sheeran, who hails from Suffolk, is not only a renowned musician but also a devoted football fan and a minority owner of Ipswich Town. His connection to the sport has led him to engage with the England squad on multiple occasions, including a visit prior to their quarter-final match against Switzerland at the 2024 European Championships.
The England team returned to Kansas City on Monday following their victory, utilizing the day primarily for recovery as they prepare for the next stages of the tournament. Sheeran shared his optimistic outlook on the team's prospects, predicting a potential England-France final and expressing confidence in the team's ability to succeed. "I think it will be an England-France final, and I think when you get to the final, anyone can win, and I think it’ll be us," he remarked.
As the World Cup progresses, the England squad continues to balance their training with moments of camaraderie and entertainment, exemplified by Sheeran's visit. The blend of sports and music has not only provided a morale boost for the players but has also reinforced the sense of unity within the team as they strive for success on the world stage.