Prince William told ‘jump on the first plane to Australia’ by ex-England star as Lionesses prepare for historic final
Peter Shilton wants royal representation at the World Cup final
GB NEWS / PA
Prince William should make his way to Australia imminently to watch the Lionesses in their historic World Cup final, according to former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
England made the final for the first time in their history with a momentous 3-1 victory against host nation Australia.
Ella Toone’s opener was cancelled out by a world class finish from Sam Kerr, before two late goals from Lauren Hamp and Alessia Russio saw England surge to the final.
William, who is the FA President, is facing calls to “show his face” in Australia and help roar the Lionesses to victory.
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One individual who backs the idea is Peter Shilton, who made 125 appearances for the England men’s team.
The 73-year-old told GB News that William was wrong to book holidays around the same time a World Cup was happening in the first place.
“He is the president of the FA”, he told Dan Wootton.
“I’m a great admirer of Kate and William, I think they are a very hardworking couple.
“This is a one-off, a World Cup. Thankfully the ladies have got right through to the final and what a performance.
“I don’t think he should be arranging his holidays around when the World Cup is on, for the simple reason of what has happened.
England beat Denmark in their second game of the Women's World CupPA“As soon as we got to the final, he should have been on a plane to get out there. He should show face.”
It was announced that the Prince of Wales will not travel to Australia for the final despite the Lionesses’ historic win over the host nation.
In response to England’s victory, the Kensington Royal X account posted: “What a phenomenal performance from the Lionesses, on to the final!
“Commiserations to The Matildas, you’ve played brilliantly and been fantastic co-hosts of this World Cup. W.”
England beat Australia on Wednesday to make the final of the Women's World CupREUTERSThe Prince is understood to have opted against the trip as it is such a significant distance.
His grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, attended the 1966 World Cup final at Wembley and presented Bobby Moore with the trophy.
William is expected to watch the game from afar with his family on Sunday.
The Prince also decided against travelling to Qatar for the men’s World Cup in December, however England only reached the quarter-finals.
Shilton was full of praise for the Lionesses, saying they have shown themselves to be a “fantastic unit”.
“They have a great chance”, he told GB News.
“And that’s why I think Prince William should have jumped on the first plane.
“I think they can do it, and it would be fantastic if they can.”