Ed Sheeran visited the England team during their training camp in Kansas City and offered a presentation to the players; However, the result was not what was expected.
Before the match against Norway, scheduled for this Saturday, July 11 in Miami, as part of the quarter finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The artist was invited to offer a private concert at the England’s Inn hotel in Meadowbrook.
Ed Sheeran has had a close relationship with the England team for five yearsso he frequently accompanies the team with his music during competitions.
“In 2021 Harry Kane signed me up for the camp and then I met everyone, and since then I’ve gone to everyone I’ve gone to. (…) It’s been great, it’s been a nice little tradition. Since the first time I played for the guys in 2021 we have connected well, so it’s never a difficult crowd“Sheeran said on the latest episode of Extra Timethe series that shows the intimacy of the English team on social networks.
However, the images of his most recent presentation with the team, spread on social networks, showed a different reaction.
The British singer stood at the edge of the pool and, with his guitar, performed an acoustic version of Castle on the Hill (“Castle on the Hill”). While singing, the footballers showed different expressions.
John Stones appears with a towel around his neck and a serious expression. Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze remain sitting at the edge of the pool without showing much interest. Toney looks uncomfortable, Eze keeps a serious face and Djed Spence looks on with a blank stare.
At the end of the presentation, Sheeran smiled and looked down until Toney and Eze began to applaud and the rest of his classmates joined in the applause.
The attitude of the players unleashed a wave of comments on social networks, where some claimed that they “applauded because it was over.”
“Judging by the players’ faces, this has been the toughest opponent they have faced”wrote one user. “I guess it’s Tuchel’s punishment, because Mexico almost got the result against them at the Azteca,” said another.
The visit to England’s camp occurred a few days after the team beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca Stadium, while the musician was on tour in the United States.
Ed Sheeran gave a private show to the England players at the World Cup.
From the looks of the players, this has been the most difficult rival they have had to face. pic.twitter.com/RmJYz9NA6n
— England Soccer (@Mercado_Ingles) July 8, 2026