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Prince William fist pumps in delight as England's Bukayo Saka keeps Three Lions' Euros dream alive with stunning 80th minute goal

Daily Mail Online 2024/10/6
  • England face off with Switzerland this evening to secure a spot in the semi final 

Prince William was jumping for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England's European Championship hopes with a stunning late goal.

The Prince of Wales' emotions were on full display as he punched the air as the Three Lions sent their quarter final versus Switzerland to extra time at the Dusseldorf Arena in western Germany.

Donning a navy suit and blue tie, the Prince, who is also the President of the FA, cheered on Gareth Southgate's men as they aim to reach a third tournament semi final in the manager's tenure.

Prince William earlier joined guests including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in the stands for the rendition of 'God Save the Kick' before kick-off on Saturday evening.

Long-time football fan William was previously seen at England's fixture against Denmark last month, joined by Danish King Frederik X.

Prince William was jumping for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England's European Championship hopes with a stunning late goal on Saturday
Prince William was jumping for joy after Bukayo Saka revived England's European Championship hopes with a stunning late goal on Saturday
The Prince of Wales' emotions were on full display as he punched the air as the Three Lions sent their match with Switzerland to extra time at the Dusseldorf Arena in western Germany
The Prince of Wales' emotions were on full display as he punched the air as the Three Lions sent their match with Switzerland to extra time at the Dusseldorf Arena in western Germany
Donning a navy suit and blue tie, the Prince, who is also the President of the FA, cheered on Gareth Southgate 's men as they aim to reach a third tournament semi final in the manager's tenure
Donning a navy suit and blue tie, the Prince, who is also the President of the FA, cheered on Gareth Southgate 's men as they aim to reach a third tournament semi final in the manager's tenure
Arsenal Star Saka's goal in the 80th minute sent the game to extra time as both sides fought for a chance to play either the Netherlands or Turkey for a place in the final
Arsenal Star Saka's goal in the 80th minute sent the game to extra time as both sides fought for a chance to play either the Netherlands or Turkey for a place in the final
The Prince of Wales joined by senior officials for the quarter final
The Prince of Wales joined by senior officials for the quarter final
Wills was spotted in the crowds as the England team sang God Save the King before kick off
Wills was spotted in the crowds as the England team sang God Save the King before kick off
Prince William speaks with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin (L) ahead of the quarter final
Prince William speaks with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin (L) ahead of the quarter final
Prince William speaks with attendees ahead of the match up against Switzerland
Prince William speaks with attendees ahead of the match up against Switzerland
Wills was spotted in the stands, returning to lend support to the team after the Denmark fixture
Wills was spotted in the stands, returning to lend support to the team after the Denmark fixture

Arsenal Star Saka's goal in the 80th minute sent the game to extra time as both sides fought for a chance to play either the Netherlands or Turkey for a place in the final. 

The Prince was quick to commend England on narrowly tight victory over Slovakia last week, acknowledging the 'emotional rollercoaster' as Jude Bellingham brought the team level in the 95th minute to take the game to extra time.

'Emotional rollercoaster! Let's go England!' Quarter finals here we come!' the Prince wrote on Twitter/X, signing off with a W.

Having struggled to break down the Slovakian defence for the first hour and a half, Bellingham's stunning overhead kick breathed new life into a tired team late on June 30, bringing the score level on 1-1.

Harry Kane scored soon after play resumed, and England saw out the 2-1 victory to face Switzerland in the quarter-finals tonight.

Prince William, who has been vocal in his support for the Three Lions throughout the tournament, joined supporters in the stands earlier in June as the team faced down Denmark in Frankfurt.

The Prince was incredibly animated throughout the Euros clash on June 20, including when he launched out of his seat and cheered after the opener in the 18th minute. 

But by the end of the game, William - like most of the nation - had his hands on his face after a far from convincing performance saw England pegged back to a 1-1 draw thanks to a wonder strike from Danish midfielder Morten Hjulmand. 

England's tepid display that day has been followed up by two more underwhelming matches, including a 0-0 draw in the final group game against Slovenia and a 2-1 win over Slovakia in the last 16.

Having changed formation for the match-up against Switzerland, England will hope they can maintain enough momentum to break down a plucky Swiss side this evening, with the winner to face the victor of the Netherlands-Turkey fixture. 

A jovial mood ahead of the England fixture in Dusseldorf on Saturday night
A jovial mood ahead of the England fixture in Dusseldorf on Saturday night
Prince William watches on intently as England prepare to face off with Switzerland in Germany
Prince William watches on intently as England prepare to face off with Switzerland in Germany
Harry Kane (L) of England and Granit Xhaka of Switzerland in action on Saturday night
Harry Kane (L) of England and Granit Xhaka of Switzerland in action on Saturday night
England's Ezri Konsa (left) clears the ball under pressure from Switzerland's Dan Ndoye
England's Ezri Konsa (left) clears the ball under pressure from Switzerland's Dan Ndoye
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