Ed Sheeran Performance Leaves England Players Looking "Impressed," Fans Say

England supporters have been sharing their reactions to the national team's response after Ed Sheeran gave the squad a private performance following their World Cup victory over Mexico.

The singer songwriter performed ‘Castle On The Hill’ at England’s training base. Although the players applauded the performance, many fans online had a very different opinion.

“Ed Sheeran live must be a torture method Tuchel must adopt,” one fan wrote in the comments of England’s Extra Time podcast. Another added: “Imagine having to [endure] Ed Sheeran as part of your recovery. I’d be even more exhausted after that ordeal.”

Another supporter joked: “Did Norway pay for this gig?” while someone else quipped: “Apparently Sheeran promised to never sing again if we win the tournament. DO NOT LET US DOWN, LADS”.

“Ed Sheeran? It’s like you want England to lose?” concluded another.

Despite the criticism circulating online, Sheeran spoke positively about performing for the England players during the podcast.

“Do you know what? 2021, Harry [Kane] got me down the camp and then I met everyone, and then I’ve just been to every one once since. It’s been great, it’s been a nice little tradition,” he said.

“It’s the first time I played for the lads in 2021. We bonded and so it’s never a tough crowd.”

Sharing his prediction for the tournament, he said: “I think it will be an England France final and I think when you get to the final anyone can win and I think it’ll be us.”

Before any potential final, England must first take on Norway in the quarter finals after edging Mexico 3 to 2 in a dramatic match. The victory also saw Jordan Henderson suffer a wrist injury following an unusual accident while running over to join supporters singing ‘Wonderwall’.

Liam Gallagher has already said he is “ready” to perform the Oasis anthem live if England reach the World Cup final.

The band's 1995 classic has become the unofficial anthem of England’s World Cup campaign, with Harry Kane and the rest of the squad gathering after recent matches to sing it alongside fans.

Noel Gallagher also welcomed the song’s growing connection with the national team, saying it “belongs to the people”. He admitted he “couldn’t believe” that Jude Bellingham actually knew all the lyrics.

Liam later responded to reports that ‘Wonderwall’ had enjoyed a 50 per cent increase in Spotify streams across the UK during the World Cup. He has now said he is willing to travel to the stadium in New York and perform the song live if England make it all the way to the final.

Thomas Tuchel’s England side will now meet Norway on Saturday night, July 11, after Norway booked their place in the quarter finals with a 2 to 1 victory over Brazil on Sunday, July 5.