Moment Prince William fist pumps air after England Euros win as he hails shootout victory ‘nail biting to the very end’
THIS is the moment Prince William fist pumps the air in celebration after England’s thrilling penalty shootout win over Switzerland.
The heir, 42, has hailed the epic win as “nail biting to the very end” after he jetted over to join fans at the Dusseldorf Arena for tonight’s clash.
Wills shared his thoughts in a tweet after the match: “Nail biting to the very end. Well done @England! Semi-finals here we come! We believe. W”
The roaring Prince of Wales was snapped celebrating Bukayo Saka’s goal by throwing his fists in the air.
The Three Lions have now reached the semi-finals after the shootout and a heroic 90th minute goal from Saka.
William could be seen before the match shaking hands and speaking with dignitaries and appeared to be in a chipper mood ahead of the do-or-die clash.
New Prime Minister Keir Starmer wished the team well before the match, saying in a post on X: “You’ve got this @England.”
Wills’ attendance comes after the Prince of Wales, a passionate Aston Villa fan, presented shirts to the England men’s squad before the team left for Germany.
He made a surprise visit to St George’s Park, England’s national football centre in Burton upon Trent.
Wills also shared his youngest son Prince Louis‘ advice, who suggested the players “eat twice the amount” to secure their bid for Euros glory.
He said: “I was on the school run this morning with the children and I asked them what I should say to you today.
“The best bit of advice I got to ask you was to eat twice as much as you normally eat.
“I don’t have visions of all of you running around with massive red tummies and getting stitches on the pitch.
“So I think maybe take my youngest’s kind of advice with a pinch of salt.”
England skipper Harry Kane jokingly said: “I don’t think our nutritionist will be happy with that advice.”
The Prince of Wales was seen emotionally applauding during the national anthem and took a picture with the King of Denmark before kick-off.
He was then seen ecstatically punching the air as skipper Harry Kane fired Gareth Southgate’s men into the lead with his 64th goal for his country.
The Prince of Wales jumped out of his seat as he passionately celebrated Kane’s first goal of the tournament.
After the match he spoke to the England stars, telling them to: “Keep calm and carry on believing in your Euro 2024 dream.”
Fans are now convinced the team can go all the way after a vastly improved performance ended in a dramatic win on penalties.
Surveyor Will Lewis, 42, from Manchester, said: “We are one match from the final now and there is no reason why we can’t get there and win it.
“The football we played earlier in the tournament was not great but that’s all behind us – we can go all the way now.”
Thousands of England fans belted out Sweet Caroline at the end of the gripping penalty shoot-out in the Dusseldorf Arena – and carried on singing as they streamed out of the stadium.
Jubilant Liam Henderson, 32, of Winlaton, Tyne and Wear, said: “This is what can happen when Southgate takes the handbrake off.”
England vs Switzerland
England’s quest for Euro 2024 glory resumes on Saturday evening against Switzerland.
The two sides will meet in Dusseldorf for a place in the semi-finals.
Gareth Southgate’s side set up the clash by squeezing past Slovakia in the last 16 on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham’s stoppage time equaliser sent the match to extra-time, where Harry Kane headed in the winner.
Switzerland’s campaign has been a stark contrast to that of the Three Lions.
The Swiss have emerged as the tournament’s dark horses after dumping out defending champions Italy last time out.
However, England have not lost to Switzerland since 1981 and have won each of their last five meetings.
The two sides last faced off in March 2022, with England coming from behind to win their Wembley friendly 2-1.
Switzerland are bidding to reach a major tournament semi-final for the first time, having lost their previous four quarter-finals.
As for England, they have made the last eight at each of Southgate’s four tournaments in charge, winning two out of three so far.
