Prince William waits for Englandีs World Cup crown

Englandีs players made a pledge to their future king to bring back the World Cup during a visit by Prince William to a training session on Thursday.

The prince spoke to all the squad, including injured striker Wayne Rooney, at Manchester Unitedีs Carrington complex and wished them luck at the finals in Germany.

Prince William, who is president of the Football Association, was clearly a hit with Sven-Goran Erikssonีs men, with midfielder Frank Lampard saying the players were left าdumbfoundedำ by his maturity and presence.

Winger Joe Cole said, picking up on the 23-year-oldีs natural ease: าPrince William is a normal down to earth guy who is the future King of England. I thought he was a really nice person.ำ

Speaking later to reporters, Prince William said: าIีm wishing England all the best and am 150 per cent behind them as I imagine the rest of the country is.ำ
As for what it would mean for England to win the World Cup, he said: าItีs inexplicable. It would be awesome.

าThe World Cup brings the whole country together and ... there is a feeling of camaraderie as England go through the stages and everyone shares in the same highs and lows and tension. Long may it continue.ำ

Asked if the players had promised to bring the trophy home, he replied: าYes, they did.ำ

The prince was also hoping for a successful tournament off the pitch, with the behaviour of England fans in Germany.

The prince, who was slated to attend Englandีs opening Group B game against Paraguay in Frankfurt, also gave his support to a new FA initiative designed to encourage children and parents to get involved in the game at grass roots level.