England’s World Cup camp may be full of pressure, tension and knockout-stage nerves, but one unexpected moment has given fans plenty to laugh about: Ed Sheeran’s private performance for the squad.
The singer visited the Three Lions earlier in the tournament and performed for players and staff after England’s final group-stage match against Panama. Footage from the private set later appeared in England’s Extra Time series on YouTube, showing Sheeran playing an acoustic version of Castle On The Hill beside the pool at the team’s Inn at Meadowbrook hotel.
England fans have joked about the reactions of Three Lions’ stars to Ed Sheeran’s private gig
Fans highlighted John Stones and Morgan Rogers less than enthusiastic expressions as Sheeran performed
James Trafford and Ivan Toney also appeared to give muted applause at the end of his performance
The idea was clearly meant to offer the squad a relaxed break from the intensity of the World Cup. But once the clip reached social media, many fans were far more interested in the players’ faces than the music itself.
John Stones and Morgan Rogers were quickly singled out by viewers, who joked that they looked less than blown away by the performance. James Trafford and Ivan Toney also attracted attention for what fans described as rather muted applause at the end of the song.
The online reaction was immediate and playful. Some supporters compared the moment to an awkward office party, while others joked that putting the squad through an Ed Sheeran gig might be part of Thomas Tuchel’s mental preparation before England’s quarter-final against Norway.
One fan said the camera cutting to several players’ blank expressions made them love the squad even more. Another joked that after seeing the team’s apparent lack of enthusiasm, they now wanted England to win the World Cup more than ever. A third simply concluded that Stones did not appear to be Sheeran’s biggest fan.
Sheeran explained it had become a tradition for him to perform for the team after being invited by Harry Kane into the camp in 2021
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
However, the wider footage also showed a warmer side to the visit. Sheeran was greeted by captain Harry Kane and Rogers, while other clips showed him chatting with Anthony Gordon and laughing alongside Stones as the group posed for photos. The viral jokes may have focused on the blank faces, but the visit itself appeared friendly and familiar.
Sheeran explained that visiting the England camp has become something of a tradition. He said Kane first invited him during the European Championship campaign in 2021, and since then he has made regular appearances around major tournaments. The singer insisted the players are never a difficult crowd and said there is now a bond between him and the squad.
His latest visit came while he was touring in the United States, giving him the chance to stop by England’s Kansas base as Tuchel’s side prepared for the next stage of their campaign.
On the pitch, England have already come through two demanding knockout matches. They edged past DR Congo in the last 32 before surviving a dramatic 3-2 battle with Mexico at the Azteca. That victory sent them into a huge quarter-final against Norway, where Erling Haaland and his teammates are waiting.
Sheeran remains confident England can go all the way. Speaking in the same feature, he predicted an England-France final and backed the Three Lions to lift the trophy if they reach the biggest stage of all.
For now, though, fans are enjoying the lighter side of the campaign. Between the pressure of knockout football and the dream of World Cup glory, England’s awkward-looking singalong has become a viral reminder that even elite footballers can look trapped in a slightly uncomfortable private concert.
Whether the squad loved every second or simply tried to survive the set, the clip has given supporters another moment to share, meme and debate as England’s World Cup journey rolls on.
