Burton Mail

Children cheer the Three Lions off to Qatar

- By SAMUEL HODGKISS samuel.hodgkiss@reachplc.com

HUNDREDS of buzzing schoolchil­dren waved flags and cheered as they spotted the England team leaving for the World Cup.

Youngsters cheered and touched hands with England manager Gareth Southgate as he left St George’s Park yesterday morning, to fly to Doha.

England tweeted a video of the moment along with the caption: “The boss. Fantastic support for the #Threelions as they depart St. George’s Park!”

The squad left the Burton-based training complex by coach for Birmingham Airport, where they flew to Doha aboard a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A350, reportedly carrying the registrati­on number PRD – short for “Pride”. The plane also reportedly featured a Union Flag and a cartoon of a man wearing rainbow-coloured shoes.

It came after the Prince of Wales visited the England squad at St George’s Park ahead of their trip to the World Cup in Qatar. William joined a private meeting where a video shows him presenting the players, including captain Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and James Maddison, with their shirts.

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 ?? @ENGLAND ?? England manager Gareth Southgate waves to children gathered at St George’s Park to see the team off to the World Cup
@ENGLAND England manager Gareth Southgate waves to children gathered at St George’s Park to see the team off to the World Cup
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 ?? ?? Fans and children cheer the team bus as it departs St George’s Park
Fans and children cheer the team bus as it departs St George’s Park

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