Thinking Out Loud! Ed Sheeran thinks it’s coming home after playing a private gig for the squad

Ed Sheeran believes England are on their way to World Cup glory having played a secret gig at their Kansas City base.Sunday’s thrilling 3-2 victory against adversity at the Estadio Azteca set up Saturday’s quarter-final clash between Thomas Tuchel’s side and Norway in Miami.England were buoyed heading into the knockout phase by a visit from Sheeran – who performed for a group he has helped form a bond with thanks to captain Harry Kane.’In 2021, Harry got me down for the camp and then I met everyone, and I’ve just been to every one since,’ the singer said on the latest episode of Extra Time on YouTube.’It’s been great, it’s been a nice little tradition.’Since the first time I played for the lads in 2021 we’ve bonded, so it’s never a tough crowd.’ Sheeran performed an acoustic version of Castle On The Hill as part of his set by the pool at England’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel. He is pictured here with the squad England were buoyed heading into the knockout phase by a visit from Sheeran – who is seen here with Harry KaneSheeran performed an acoustic version of Castle On The Hill as part of his set by the pool at England’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel after their final group game against Panama.Tuchel’s side subsequently shook off some bad habits to secure a 2-1 comeback win against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 32, before enjoying the perfect night in Mexico.But England cannot afford to bask in the afterglow of their last-16 victory as they gear up to take on Norway, with Sheeran backing them to make it go all the way.’I think it’ll be an England-France final,’ he said. ‘I think when you get to the final anyone can win and I think it will be us.’