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Prince William’s wide range of emotions as he watched England’s dramatic penalty shootout win over Switzerland last night has gone viral with social media users saying he is ‘every England fan’.
The royal was in the stands for the nerve-shredding match in Dusseldorf which saw five perfect spot kicks, including one from Bukayo Saka, fire the Three Lions into a semi-final date with the Netherlands on Wednesday.
And the future king displayed a whole gamut of emotions as he roared in response to Saka’s skillful opening goal before placing his head in his hands as the referee blew the final whistle to confirm that the Euro 2024 game was to be decided from 12 yards.
Once Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold sealed victory with an emphatic penalty kick, the Prince of Wales leapt from his seat and punched the air in a moment of unconfined joy.
In the hours that followed England’s champagne moment, social media was awash with reaction to the royal’s performance as a spectator.
Prince William channelled the emotions of a nation during England’s penalties win over Switzerland at the Euros and social media users were quick to react to his performance
The Prince of Wales had his head in his hands after Swiss striker Breel Embolo put the opponents ahead
But he was jumping for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England’s Euros hopes with a stunning late goal
Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winning penalty to see England through to the semi-final
Saka had scored earlier after cutting in on the left to deliver England into extra time
Many praised the prince, who is the president of the Football Association, with some even suggesting his presence had had a positive impact on the Three Lions’ performance.
One user said: ‘England wins. Prince William is the good luck charm.’
Another added: ‘Watching Prince William’s reaction to the England win might make the singing of the national anthem a tad louder at the semi final. True football supporter, not seen that from the Royal family before.’
A third posted: ‘Prince William was at the England game too. Not a glory hunter – a proper fan who’s there during the tough slog games when victory is by no means certain. Top man.’
Others were able to relate to the royal’s expressive reactions to the Three Lions’ highs and lows as they battled through 120 minutes of football before holding their nerve during penalties.
One user posted a video of the future king’s fist pump after the winning spot kick and said: ‘Prince William’s reaction to the win by England was everything and we as sports fans love it!!’
Another simply added, ‘Pick your mood’, alongside pictures of the royal being put through the emotional wringer during the clash in Germany.
After the game the prince was pictured in the tunnel congratulating Saka, who completed a redemptive arc with his assured penalty after missing his previous tournament spot kick in the Euro 2020 final against Italy at Wembley.
People took to social media to praise the future King’s emotive display at the Euros
One social media user suggested that the Arsenal winger’s contribution might be worthy of an honour.
He said: ‘A lovely photo of Prince William congratulating Bukayo Saka for his heroic equalising that saw England advance to EURO2024 quarterfinal.
‘Talk to the king, award him with the title “Sir”.’
Another added: ‘The future king of England being embraced by Prince William.’
Meanwhile, Nile Gardiner took to X, formerly Twitter, to highlight the contrast between the future king and his brother.
He said: ‘While Prince William proudly represents the Royal Family on the international stage and cheers on victorious England, Prince Harry is increasingly isolated from his own country, pitifully whining about the British Monarchy with Meghan Markle in Montecito.’
And some users saw the funny side of the royal’s much-discussed display in the Dusseldorf stands, with Little Britain star Matt Lucas poking fun at William’s aggressive celebrations.
He posted on X: ‘England let down by hooligan skinhead fans again. Can anyone identify this thug?’
Others poked fun at the prince’s performance during the dramatic Euro 2024 tie in Dusseldorf
Another user compared Prince William’s reaction to the game’s denouement with Edvard Munch’s 1893 painting The Scream.
The royal described England’s 2-1 extra time win over Slovakia as an ’emotional rollercoaster’ but last night’s spectacle was arguably even more tense than the Three Lions’ previous match.
Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the hero as they made it to their second consecutive European Championship semi-final, leaving it late once again.
England went behind with just 15 minutes to go when Breel Embolo prodded home from close range after Fabian Schar’s cross deflected off John Stones.
But just as they did against Slovakia, England refused to stay down as they equalised 10 minutes from time through the ever-impressive Bukayo Saka’s curling effort, which went in off the post.
Extra-time was a nervy affair as Switzerland came close to breaking the deadlock through a Xherdan Shaqiri penalty that hit the corner of the post and the crossbar.
It had been another scrappy game like the four that had come before in England’s tournament.
But Gareth Southgate’s side looked more dynamic in the first-half, Saka able to get in behind on more than one occasion.
Prince William congratulates Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka after England’s stunning penalty win
The Prince also met with penalty hero Trent Alexander-Arnold after the match
Donning a navy suit and blue tie, the Prince, who is also the President of the FA, cheered on Gareth Southgate’s men to a third tournament semi final in the manager’s tenure
England celebrate after winning the penalty shootout against Switzerland on Saturday
England’s head coach Gareth Southgate celebrates on the pitch after England’s win
England players applaud their supporters after a dramatic win in Germany
Saka celebrates with Aaron Ramsdale after scoring against Switzerland to equalise
Yet they had been plagued by the same issues throughout the tournament, with the attack lacking cohesion and Switzerland able to cause England problems.
The opening goal sparked Southgate into life as he made three changes, bringing on Luke Shaw, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer for Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Kieran Trippier.
Before those changes had a chance to really take effect, the dangerous right winger Saka had levelled.
He was afforded the time and space to cut inside on his favoured left foot and he curled an effort off the inside of the far post to bring England level.
And, despite the Three Lions’ historic aversion to spot kicks, if there is one thing this England side boasts it is an abundance of capable penalty takers and that was the difference here.
Cole Palmer had scored all of ten of his spot kicks this season, Bukayo Saka has become a seasond penalty taker and Ivan Toney boasts such an impressive record it was almost an embarrassment of riches for Gareth Southgate.
Jordan Pickford also helped set the tone, his save from Manuel Akanji’s penatly cemented the advantage of taking the first penalty after Palmer put his penalty away comfortably.
England were perfect and Switzerland didn’t miss again but it was the opening exchange that proved pivotal.
The Three Lions are now one step closer to ending the men’s team’s run without a major tournament trophy.
Prince William’s appearance last night came after he was spotted at England’s group stage game against Denmark on June 20 which ended in a 1-1 draw after an early goal scored by captain Harry Kane.
The Prince was incredibly animated throughout the Euros clash last month, including when he launched out of his seat and cheered after the opener in the 18th minute.
But by the end of the game, William – like most of the nation – had his hands on his face after a far from convincing performance saw England pegged back to a 1-1 draw thanks to a wonder strike from Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand.
Despite the lacklustre performance, the prince showed his sportsmanship by shaking hands with Denmark’s King, Frederik X, at the full-time whistle – with both countries still on track to advance in the tournament.
The pair appeared to have a jokey exchange as Frederik X, who only acceded to the throne following his mother’s shock abdication in January, celebrated with a fist pump in front of William’s face when he left the stadium.
Long-time football fan William was photographed laughing with Frederik in the crowd and the pair were filmed having an enthusiastic conversation as they sat together on the same row.
The Prince of Wales celebrates an early Harry Kane goal against Denmark on June 20
Prince William and the King of Denmark embrace one another after England drew 1-1 with the Danes at Euro 2024
William – like most of the nation – had his hand on his head after a far from convincing performance from the Three Lions against the Danes
Prince William is seen singing the national anthem at the Frankfurt Arena on June 20
William was wearing a suit and striped tie and Frederik an open-collar white shirt and blazer at the Frankfurt Arena in Germany.
The Prince of Wales, who made the trip to Frankfurt without the Princess of Wales despite her recent public appearance, was also spotted chatting to former Manchester United CEO and UEFA treasurer David Gill and FA CEO Mark Bullingham.
After the game, the future king spoke to the England squad at the Waldstadion, aiming to raise spirits immediately after the final whistle by telling Southgate’s side not to overreact to the frustrating display.
‘He was just trying to keep us all positive,’ disclosed England midfielder Adam Wharton.
‘He was saying it’s not the end of the world. We were thinking we’re still top of the group, we didn’t lose, we got a draw, we’ve just got to reflect on the game – to see how we can get better and look forward to the next game.
‘That’s all you can do in tournament football.’
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