Prince William and England boss Gareth Southgate hold private World Cup meeting

Prince William chatted about the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with England boss Gareth Southgate.

William, 40, President of the FA, had 15 minutes with Southgate in private at a Boot Room at England's national football centre at St. George's Park. The Prince of Wales was at the 330-acre football centre in Staffordshire to mark its 10th anniversary.

He separately heard about efforts made by England's deaf team, para-footballers playing Power Chair and young footballers taking part in this year's Street Child World Cup. And made a beeline for 10-year-old schoolgirl Nesia Joao who was playing for her school in the Alf Ramsey Indoor 3G pitch.

The year-six schoolgirl, of Edgbaston, Birmingham said afterwards: "He told me Villa was his favourite team and said that he wouldn't want us to let him down. We promised not to."

"At first I thought he would all be like strict, because he's in the Royal Family and has to follow these guidelines. But he's really talkative, fun and nice guy. My dad will be really proud."

At the outdoor Alan Shearer pitch he watched drills by the England Deaf Men's team managed by Scotsman Andy Smith. As he chatted to players his encouraging words were translated to the team by sign language.

Wills joked: "Do you add a Scottish accent."

Speaking to the youngsters from ' Everton in the Community' who are representing Team England at the Street Child World Cup in Doha, Qatar, he added: "It's not just playing football is it, it is everything that comes with it."

School children representing clubs from across the Midlands - ranging from Derby County to Stoke City - took part in an indoor football tournament. Wills was distracted by children wearing Aston Villa shirts but also stopped to talk to a side wearing kits from rivals Birmingham City.

The children compete for their school but are given kits by their nearest football team to play in their colours, it is understood. William also watched England's para-football team take on West Bromwich Albion's side. He told them afterwards: "It looks so fast, spinning and hitting the ball, it is really amazing."

The 15 minute meeting between William and Southgate was held behind closed doors. They spoke about football issues and the World Cup kicking off next month, it is claimed.

William and Southgate walked separately down a corridor after their meeting. They posed for a group photo with staff and players before William left.

England's next match will be at the 2022 World Cup opener in Qatar next month.

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