Report: King of Spain wants to thank team in locker room after final

Spanish King Felipe VI is reportedly keen to visit the national team in the dressing room after Sunday’s final against England to express his appreciation for their performance at Euro 2024.

The sports newspaper AS reports that the king has made a request to the Spanish football federation to this effect, regardless of the outcome of the Berlin final.

King Felipe VI had also witnessed Spain’s 1-0 group stage win over Italy earlier in the tournament. As he said, the King is delighted with the team’s performance in Germany and also wants to thank them for generating excitement throughout Spain.

Felipe VI will be accompanied at the final by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Sports Minister Pilar Alegría, AS reported.

English dignitaries attending the match will include the Prince of Wales, who is also chairman of the Football Association, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Prince William was also in attendance for the Three Lions’ group stage match against Denmark.

Starmer sent a message of good luck to the team, quoted by the Press Association: “Whatever happens, you must know that you have united the country and we are all behind you.

“So enjoy this evening. I know we all will across the country.”

Geoff Hurst, the last surviving member of England’s starting XI at the 1966 World Cup, the only major men’s title to date, will not be present.

The Sun reported that Hurst had been invited by the FA to attend the match but the 82-year-old had “politely declined” and would be supporting the team from home.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the team, and I know the nation feels the same way,” Hurst was quoted as saying by the report. “As the last surviving member of the 1966 starting XI, I can’t tell you how incredible it would be to see England win again.”