Global superstar Ed Sheeran had a wince-inducing surprise for the England football squad ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against Norway. The singer visited the team's camp in Kansas City, where he serenaded them with an acoustic version of his 2017 hit 'Castle on the Hill'. The video of the awkward encounter has gone viral, with fans calling it one of the cringiest moments of the 2026 World Cup so far.
Sheeran's Long-Standing Bond with the Team
In the video, Sheeran explained that England captain Harry Kane first invited him to the camp in 2021, and he has been a regular ever since. 'In 2021 Harry got me down to the camp and then I met everyone and then I've just been to every one since and it's been great, it's been a nice little tradition,' he said. 'The first time I played for the lads in 2021 we bonded and so it's never a tough crowd.'
Fans React to the Awkward Serenade
The video shows Sheeran singing to a silent room of footballers, who appear gormless and uninterested. The camera cuts have been compared to the British sitcom 'The Office'. Fans took to social media to share their amusement. 'Why do they look so uninterested?' wrote fawziyaaa on X. 'It's so funny how unbothered they are about him being there, looks like a scene from The Office,' Conor McKechnie shared. 'The camera cuts like the office has finished me off,' echoed Nayfchels. Others were less amused: 'What have they done to deserve this,' Mark asked.
Sheeran's World Cup Prediction
Sheeran also gave his prediction for the tournament, saying he expects an England vs France final, with England winning. 'It's coming home!' he declared. However, England's path to the final has been hit by a blow: defender Jarrell Quansa received a two-game ban from FIFA, meaning he will miss Saturday's quarter-final against Norway.
Other Memorable World Cup Moments
The 2026 World Cup in North America has been full of drama, from Jordan Henderson's freak arm injury during victory celebrations to Team USA's shock exit. Harry Kane's post-match interview after England vs Mexico also went viral after he lost his voice and sounded like Mickey Mouse. But Sheeran's serenade may have topped them all for cringe factor.
What's Next for England?
If England secures victory against Norway, they will have an emotional 'Wonderwall' sing-along to look forward to, with the Oasis song remaining the team's anthem. The match is set to be a nail-biting showdown, reuniting World Cup favourites Jude Bellingham and Erling Haaland on the field.
