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Prince William and Gareth Southgate discuss England's 'mental preparations' for World Cup

The Prince of Wales with England manager Gareth Southgate during a visit to St. George's Park in Burton upon Trent to mark its 10th anniversary as the home of English football - Rui Viera/PA
The Prince of Wales with England manager Gareth Southgate during a visit to St. George's Park in Burton upon Trent to mark its 10th anniversary as the home of English football - Rui Viera/PA

The Prince of Wales has met with England football manager Gareth Southgate to discuss the players’ “technical and mental” preparations ahead of the World Cup in Qatar.

Prince William, President of the Football Association, spent 15 minutes chatting with Southgate behind closed doors at England's national football centre, St. George’s Park.

Southgate “expressed his condolence” to the Prince for the loss of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, and described his “admiration for the manner” in which the Royal family had conducted itself during this time.

He also thanked William for visiting and using his platform to highlight the progress the centre has made over the past decade as a centre of professional and grassroots football, sources said.

The Prince was at the 330-acre football centre in Staffordshire on Wednesday to mark its 10th anniversary.

The Prince of Wales talks to children at St George's Park - Rui Viera/Reuters
The Prince of Wales talks to children at St George's Park - Rui Viera/Reuters

He made a beeline for ten-year-old schoolgirl Nesia Joao, who was playing for her school on the Alf Ramsey Indoor 3G pitch.

Nesia, from Edgbaston, Birmingham said afterwards: "He told me Villa was his favourite team and said that he wouldn't want us to let him down. We promised not to.

"At first I thought he would all be like strict, because he's in the Royal family and has to follow these guidelines.

"But he's really talkative, fun and nice guy. My dad will be really proud."

The Prince also heard about efforts made by England's deaf team, para-footballers playing Power Chair and young footballers taking part in this year’s Street Child World Cup.

Prince of Wales during a visit to England's national football centre at St. George's Park - Rui Viera/Getty
Prince of Wales during a visit to England's national football centre at St. George's Park - Rui Viera/Getty

He watched drills by the England Deaf Men's team, managed by Scotsman Andy Smith, on the outdoor Alan Shearer pitch.

As he chatted to the players, his words were translated using sign language.

The Prince joked: "Do you add a Scottish accent."

Speaking to the youngsters from 'Everton in the Community' who are representing Team England at the Street Child World Cup in Doha, Qatar, he added: "It's not just playing football is it, it is everything that comes with it."

Schoolchildren representing clubs from across the Midlands - ranging from Derby County to Stoke City - took part in an indoor football tournament.

The children compete for their school but are given kits by their nearest football team to play in their colours.

The Prince was distracted by children wearing Aston Villa shirts but also stopped to talk to a side wearing kits from rivals Birmingham City.

He also watched England's para-football team take on West Bromwich Albion's side, telling  them afterwards: "It looks so fast, spinning and hitting the ball, it is really amazing."

The engagement, along with a visit by the Princess of Wales to the Royal Surrey County Hospital Maternity Unit today, was part of a series to showcase the areas the couple will continue to focus on in their new roles.