England’s Monday recovery session included a VIP performance.
Four-time Grammy Award winner Ed Sheeran performed for his native country’s soccer team following their hard-fought round of 16 victory over Slovakia on Sunday.
The English singer brought his guitar to the team’s base in Blankenhain, Germany and performed his hit song “The A Team,” helping the team prep for Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal against Switzerland.
Sheeran also performed for the England squad at St. George’s Park before the Euro 2020 final, which it lost in PKs to Italy.
After the dramatic extra-time 2-1 win, Sheeran’s vocals could be exactly what the team needed.
Sheeran, a passionate fan, watched the nail-biter from the stands in Gelsenkirchen, repping an England jersey.
The singer was one of many English fans who erupted in excitement after Jude Bellingham’s bicycle kick goal that put the team on the board, tying the game 1-1 in stoppage time.
Captain Harry Kane found the back of the net soon after with an impressive header, making it 2-1.
UEFA, however, is investigating Bellingham for allegedly “breaching the basic rules of decent conduct” after motioning to grab his groin in front of the Slovakia bench while celebrating his tournament-saving goal.
Following the game, the 21-year-old quickly responded on X and insisted that the whole thing was a misunderstanding.
He wrote: “An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight.”
ESPN reported Bellingham, if he faces any punishment, is likely to be fined and not suspended over the incident.
Nevertheless, if banned, it would be a massive loss to coach Gareth Southgate’s roster.
In the Slovakia showdown, Bellingham was named player of the match.
Through 371 minutes, he has recorded two goals and has made few mistakes, boasting an impressive passing accuracy of 88.75 percent.
The UEFA Euro quarterfinal between England and Switzerland will tip off on Saturday, July 6 at noon Eastern.
