Sheeran keeps up England tradition with World Cup camp visit

British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran brought a musical interlude to the England football team's World Cup preparations in Kansas City last week. The team shared a video on their app showing the 35-year-old performing his popular song "Castle on the Hill" for players and staff.

The performance occurred during a period of downtime ahead of England's crucial 3-2 round-of-16 victory over Mexico on Sunday. Sheeran described his visits as a "nice little tradition," noting that his first performance for the team in 2021 led to a strong bond.

“

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.

"First time I played for the lads in 2021 we bonded, and so it's never a tough crowd," Sheeran told England's in-house media. He added that he has attended every camp since then.

“

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.

A lifelong football fan and minority owner of Ipswich Town, Sheeran also visited the England squad before their quarter-final match against Switzerland at the 2024 European Championships. He expressed confidence in England's chances in the tournament, predicting an England-France final where "anyone can win, and I think it'll be us."

The team returned to Kansas City on Monday, dedicating the day primarily to recovery after their intense match.

“

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.