A familiar voice at England’s camp

England’s World Cup preparations briefly moved away from tactics and recovery when Ed Sheeran visited the squad at their Kansas City base.

According to ESPN’s report on Sheeran’s visit, the 35-year-old singer performed a private acoustic set for Thomas Tuchel’s squad, including a version of “Castle on the Hill” by the pool at England’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel.

The visit came during a crucial stage of the tournament, with England preparing for a World Cup quarter-final against Norway in Miami after their dramatic win over Mexico.

For Sheeran, it was not a one-off appearance. His connection with the England squad has become a small tournament tradition, one that began when Harry Kane first invited him into camp in 2021.

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“In 2021 Harry got me down for the camp and then I met everyone, and I’ve just been to every one since,” Sheeran said. “It’s been great, it’s been a nice little tradition.”

He added: “Since the first time I played for the lads in 2021 we’ve bonded, so it’s never a tough crowd.”

Sheeran predicts England-France final

Sheeran did more than perform for the players. He also offered a confident prediction about England’s chances.

The singer believes Tuchel’s side can reach the World Cup final and expects France to be waiting there.

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“I think it’ll be an England-France final,” Sheeran said. “I think when you get to the final anyone can win and I think it will be us.”

It is the kind of optimism England supporters will welcome before one of the biggest matches of their tournament.

The team have already survived a demanding route through the knockout rounds, beating DR Congo in the round of 32 before eliminating Mexico at the Azteca Stadium.

Norway challenge awaits

England’s next test is a quarter-final against Norway, led by Erling Haaland.

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According to GOAL’s guide to England’s World Cup route, the match is scheduled for Saturday in Miami Gardens, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.

England will not have a simple build-up. Jarell Quansah is suspended after being sent off against Mexico, while Jordan Henderson’s wrist injury has also added concern around the squad.

Still, Sheeran’s visit appears to have offered a lighter moment at a tense point in the campaign.

The singer has become part of England’s tournament routine, not as a coach or analyst, but as a familiar presence who helps break up the pressure that follows the national team.

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More than a concert

For England, Sheeran’s performance was not about spectacle. It was about atmosphere.

At major tournaments, small details can matter: recovery days, morale, togetherness and the ability to switch off between matches. Sheeran’s relationship with the squad appears to fit into that space.

The quarter-final against Norway will be decided by players, not songs. But as England chase a first World Cup triumph since 1966, the presence of one of the country’s biggest music stars has added another layer to the story.

Sheeran has made his prediction clear. Now it is up to England to prove him right.

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