Ed Sheeran visits the England national team

Ed Sheeran visited the England national football team's camp ahead of the World Cup, continuing a tradition that began in 2021.

A video posted on Instagram on Thursday shows the British pop star visiting players at the national team's training camp in Kansas City, Missouri, where she greets and hugs team members.

"In 2021, Harry (Kane) brought me to the camp, I met all the guys and I've been coming every time since," Sheeran said of the England captain.

"We connected," he added.

The video also shows the musician performing his song "Castle on the Hill" in front of the players with an acoustic guitar.

Sheeran expressed his belief that England can win the tournament, saying:

"Anyone can win, and I think it will be us."

England's next match is against Norway on Saturday. The World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, will feature a half-time musical extravaganza featuring performances by Coldplay, Justin Bieber, BTS, Madonna and Shakira.

Sheeran, who owns a minority stake in English football club Ipswich Town FC, has had a special relationship with the England national team for years.

He first performed for the players while they had dinner together in 2021, after which he told the BBC's "Crouchy's Year-Late Euros":

"I've had some incredible moments in my life, but I don't think many will surpass that moment."