Prince William Visits Lionesses, England Women's National Football Team, Ahead of World Cup
The Women's World Cup is just one month away, and the England Women's National Football Team, also called the Lionesses, is getting ready.
As the team finishes preparing, Prince William—the president of England's Football Association—stopped by St. George's Park yesterday to wish them luck, and to present head coach Sarina Wiegman with her Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) medal.
Prince William joked that he did not usually "travel up and down the country to present them," in reference to her medal, but added, "There’s one person that deserves this more than anyone else."
Accepting the medal, Wiegman said, "I really did not expect this. It’s very pretty. Thank you very much, but it’s all about the team. I am so honored. I feel a bit emotional. Let’s go and make some more history."
In a speech to the team and staff, Prince William told them the "sky is the limit."
He continued, "What you did for the country last year at the Euros was phenomenal and where you're going to take women's sport, not just football, is incredible. You're a great team, the vibe I get from you all is fantastic. There are a lot of teams out there who could learn a lot from the way you work together. Huge respect, and go get'em!"
After the Prince of Wales left, Wiegman said, "He’s a big fan of ours and he knows a lot about the game and the players. He comes very informally and he wants to know how we all are. It’s just very nice when he comes by."
This past fall, ahead of the Men's World Cup, Prince William also visited the squad to wish them luck. At the Men's World Cup, England played Wales, and as Prince of Wales and President of the English Football Association, Prince William was divided on who to root for. He won't have the same problem at the upcoming Women's World Cup, as the Welsh women's team failed to qualify.
The Lionesses' first match in the upcoming World Cup is against Haiti on July 22.
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