England fans have joked Three Lions’ stars appeared less than enthusiastic about Ed Sheeran’s private gig at their World Cup base after highlighting lukewarm reactions.
Sheeran had visited the England camp earlier in the tournament, with the singer performing for the squad and staff after their final group game against Panama.
Footage of the secret gig was released as part of the latest episode of England’s Extra Time series on YouTube.
Sheeran performed an acoustic version of Castle On The Hill as part of his set by the pool at England’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel.
Fans were quick to respond to the footage, highlighting the reactions of several England players to Sheeran.
The impassive reactions of John Stones and Morgan Rogers were focused on by fans, along with the muted applause given by James Trafford and Ivan Toney to the performance.
England fans have joked about the reactions of Three Lions’ stars to Ed Sheeran’s private gig
Fans highlighted John Stones and Morgan Rogers less than enthusiastic expressions as Sheeran performed
James Trafford and Ivan Toney also appeared to give muted applause at the end of his performance
‘The camera panning round to Stones, Madueke, Rogers et al’s faces of disapproval makes me love this squad even more,’ one fan wrote.
‘Not the most patriotic person, but having seen the disdain the England squad have for Ed Sheeran I now want them to win the World Cup more than anything in this world,’ another added.
A third added: ‘I don’t think Stones is a fan of Ed Sheeran.’
‘Putting them through an Ed Sheeran gig to get the team mentally ready for the Norway game? I see you,’ another commented.
Despite the perceived lack of enthusiasm from players, footage also showed Sheeran being greeted by captain Harry Kane and Rogers.
Sheeran was also seen in discussion with Anthony Gordon and laughing with Stones as the squad posed for a photo with the singer.
Sheeran explained how his visits to the England camp had become a tradition over the years, after first being invited by Kane during the European Championships in 2021.
‘In 2021, Harry got me down for the camp and then I met everyone, and I’ve just been to every one since,’ the singer said on the latest episode of Extra Time on YouTube.
Sheeran explained it had become a tradition for him to perform for the team after being invited by Harry Kane into the camp in 2021
Sheeran performed an acoustic version of Castle On The Hill as part of his set by the pool at England’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel. He is pictured here with the squad
‘It’s been great, it’s been a nice little tradition.
‘Since the first time I played for the lads in 2021 we’ve bonded, so it’s never a tough crowd.’
Sheeran had visited the camp in Kansas as he continues his latest tour in the United States.
England are preparing for their quarter-final against Norway on Saturday, after Thomas Tuchel’s side edged past DR Congo in the last-32, before a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico in the last-16.
Addressing England’s hopes, Sheeran had expressed his confidence that the Three Lions can lift the World Cup and expects them to defeat France in the final.
‘I think it’ll be an England-France final,’ he said. ‘I think when you get to the final anyone can win and I think it will be us.’
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