The Prince of Wales has wished England luck ahead of their World Cup opener as fans queued in scorching temperatures outside the ground. Thomas Tuchel's team will kick off their campaign against Croatia at 9pm on Wednesday with the hopes of a nation resting on their shoulders.
Royal Support
William took to social media to wish the team luck before the match. He said: "Good luck to England ahead of their first World Cup group match tonight! Here's to a great tournament ahead." The prince signed the message off with a "W" along with emojis of a flexed bicep and a rocket ship.
The prince will be cheering on the team and watching from home with the Princess of Wales, with the Waleses' children, like many others around the country, likely to be trying to negotiate a later bedtime to stay up on a school night.
Fan Experience
Unlike those who have stayed in the comfort of their homes, many England and Croatia fans who made the trip to Arlington were seen queuing in scorching temperatures hours before the game. A light breeze did nothing to lessen the strength of the Texas sunshine as many fans tried to make the most of what little shade trees managed to provide.
Many supporters stayed out until late on Tuesday night at the Londoner Pub in the US city, with some in fancy dress and draped in St George's flags. Despite the pub advertising a later closing time, fans were ordered to move on by bar staff and two police officers just before 10pm. Before closing its doors, the Londoner managed to sell 2,352 bottles of beer, more than 5,000 beers in total, making more than £30,000 from the evening.
Captain's Confidence
Captain Harry Kane acknowledged the anticipation of fans that England could go far at this tournament, saying he wants fans "to have that excitement." Kane said: "It's one of the best opportunities we will have as a team to win it."
