Britain's Prince William has sent a message of good luck to the England team ahead of their first Women's World Cup match.
Prince William
The 32-year-old royal - who is the president of the Football Association - wished England's womens team good luck before their opening match against France tonight (09.06.15) in the competition being held in Moncton, Canada.
He said: "It gives me great pleasure to wish [coach] Mark Sampson, the England squad and all of the backroom staff the very best of luck for the FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada.
"As president of the FA, I am delighted that women's football has become such a central part of our daily work across the country. The senior England team are the pinnacle of this and I am sure all football fans will join me in hoping they do well over the coming days."
The Duke of Cambridge - who has 23-month-old son Prince George and one-month-old daughter Princess Charlotte with his wife Duchess Catherine - went on to say that he hopes their performance in the event will help to encourage more young girls to get involved in sport.
He added: "Having had the chance to meet the squad and follow their progress in qualifying, I know they are determined to do their very best at the finals. And I believe their involvement will inspire more girls up and down the country to get involved in the game.
"A positive performance in Canada will only further the growth of the women's game."
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