It wasn’t the ending anyone wanted, but the Prince of Wales wants England to know he’s proud of them regardless.
After a bruising defeat to Argentina, William took to social media to offer his commiserations to Gareth Southgate’s side, telling the nation that the team had “inspired us all” and urging players and fans alike to hold their heads high. It was a gracious message, and one that landed warmly with a fanbase still processing the heartbreak.
“We go again,” as they say. But the sting of this one will linger for a while.
“You’ve inspired us all this tournament,” William wrote. “Hold your heads high, lions.”
It’s become something of a tradition for William to put himself front and centre during England’s major tournament campaigns. He’s been spotted watching matches, posting updates, and generally doing his best to be the football-loving royal the public connects with. Whether you’re a monarchist or not, it’s hard to deny the gesture lands differently when it comes from someone who’s clearly been watching every nail-biting minute.
England’s run had stirred genuine optimism this time around. There were moments of real quality, flashes of the kind of football that had fans daring to believe. But Argentina, with their tournament pedigree and cold-eyed efficiency, proved a step too far on the night.
The dressing room will be a quiet place today. These things always hurt more in the immediate aftermath, before the perspective sets in and the “we’ll get ’em next time” spirit takes hold.
William’s message, brief as it was, reflected something a lot of people were feeling: disappointment, yes, but also a genuine appreciation for what this squad put the country through. Not every tournament ends with a trophy. Sometimes it ends with your prince on his phone at midnight, typing out something kind.
The question now, of course, is what comes next for England, and whether this squad has the foundations to go one better when the next opportunity arrives.
