As they prepare for their last-16 encounter against Germany, England’s Euro 2020 squad was treated to a special performance by pop sensation Ed Sheeran.
With a 1-0 win against the Czech Republic on Tuesday, Gareth Southgate’s team earned first place in Group D, before discovering they would meet Germany in the knockout stage.
Southgate and his team were welcomed to Ed Sheeran’s outdoor acoustic performance at their St George’s Park training camp on Wednesday before facing their old enemies at Wembley.
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Sheeran, who is best known for his song ‘Shape of You’, was granted special clearance to enter England’s COVID-secure bubble.
The 30-year-old is a supporter of League One side Ipswich and was at Wembley to see England’s 0-0 draw with Scotland in the group stage.
Jordan Henderson, an England midfielder, said it was an honour to meet Sheeran and see him perform.
“I have to say he was a top man. He was very warm and as a performer everyone knows how good he is,” Henderson told reporters on Thursday.
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“It was great to have him outside playing a few songs and speaking to him. It was a really good night. It was a relaxed thing, bit of food on the barbecue. He jumped on the guitar and played a few songs,” he added.
The midfielder described Sheeran’s performance for the squad as “surreal,” adding that the “lads really enjoyed it.”