King Charles has followed in Prince William’s footsteps by offering his condolences to the England squad following Wednesday evening’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina.
The monarch issued a statement declaring: “Commiserations to Harry and the team. While you Three Lions may be licking your wounds today, you remain the pride of a nation and will rise again.”
King Charles has followed in Prince William’s footsteps by offering his condolences to the England squad following Wednesday evening’s heartbreaking World Cup semi-final loss to Argentina
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He added: “The fight and belief you have shown has inspired us all. The most complete England team in a tournament. Hold your heads high. W”.
The King’s message comes despite Prince William’s recent revelation that his father has little interest in the sport. Speaking on the New Heights podcast with NFL stars Travis and Jason Kelce, the heir to the throne admitted: “My family haven’t got a particularly long history with football.”
William explained that his passion for the game developed through childhood friendships rather than royal tradition, noting that school made football impossible to avoid.
As royal patron of the Football Association, William’s tribute carries particular significance.
Had Thomas Tuchel’s men reached Sunday’s final in New Jersey, the Prince of Wales would have flown to the United States for the match, possibly bringing his eldest son Prince George. The pair are devoted Aston Villa fans.
The defeat in Atlanta brought England’s hopes of a first World Cup final since 1966 to a crushing end.
Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon had put the Three Lions ahead 10 minutes into the second half, finishing off a delivery from Morgan Rogers, whose selection in the starting eleven came as a surprise.
Travelling England supporters erupted in celebration, but the defending champions responded with devastating effect as the match entered its final stages.
Argentine fans brought a ‘Las Malvinas’ flag in before handing it over to the players
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REUTERSChelsea’s Enzo Fernandez levelled the contest with five minutes of normal time remaining, unleashing a fierce long-range effort that flew past Jordan Pickford.
Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine captain, had been instrumental in creating the equaliser, providing the pass that allowed Fernandez to strike.
Moments later, Mr Messi delivered the fatal blow, whipping in a cross that found Lautaro Martinez completely unmarked at the back post.
The striker headed home in the 92nd minute to send Argentina through.
England were unable to mount a recovery despite the referee adding nine minutes of stoppage time.
In a final act of desperation, goalkeeper Mr Pickford charged upfield in the closing seconds, but it proved futile.
The result extends England’s wait for a second World Cup triumph, with their only success dating back more than 60 years to the 1966 home victory.
Argentina, the reigning world champions, will now meet Spain in New Jersey on Sunday as they attempt to defend their crown.