FIFA World Cup is coming home: UK celebrity assures Prince William

Prince William on Wednesday visited England's national football centre at St. George's Park to express his appreciation to the behind-the-scenes staff preparing for the upcoming World Cup in the United States.

The Prince of Wales, who is The Football Association Patron, spent time with the extensive support network responsible for ensuring Thomas Tuchel's squad is ready for the tournament, which kicks off for England against Croatia in Dallas on June 17.

William met England head coach, Thomas Tuchel,, Football Association chief football officer Dan Ashworth and technical director John McDermott, with a photocall in the indoor futsal hall at the national football centre.

“I just wanted to take the opportunity to see the team behind the team today, and to say thank you and good luck to all of you guys who don’t get as much acknowledgement or credit as you deserve,” the heir to the throne said.

“It’s a big team that gets on that plane. It’s a big team that looks after them. Not everyone gets to see the hard work you put in, and the success of the players comes from the foundations you built, so thank you.

“It’s not going to be an easy tournament as you well know. It’s going to be one of the hardest World Cups there’s probably been in the modern era, but I have no doubt you’ll rise to the occasion and deliver on all the things that you do so brilliantly.”

When the video of his speech was shared on the official Instagram accounts of the royal family and the England team, English professional golfer Justin Rose was prominent among those who commented.

"It’s coming home," wrote Rose who was seen  joining the Royal Procession at Royal Ascot with King Charles and Prince William in June last year.