Prince William wishes England good luck for World Cup

Prince William was escorted to the team's changing room by Roy Hodgson after Friday's match against Peru

The Duke of Cambridge has said he believes the England football team are "ready for the challenge" of the World Cup.

Prince William made the statement in a video message, in which he also wished the best of luck to the team, and called on the nation to play its part.

The duke met some of the players in the team changing room on Friday after their 3-0 win over Peru at Wembley.

The squad are due to fly out to Florida later to continue their training.

England's first World Cup match will be against Italy on Saturday 14 June at 23:00 BST.

England team captain Steven Gerrard has previously said he feels confident about his team's chances

Gary Cahill scored a goal in England's recent warm-up match against Peru

Prince William urged people to support the Three Lions

The duke said the World Cup was an "amazing" opportunity for the "nation to come together".

He said: "It is truly a global festival of football and where the great names take their chance to shine. I am really looking forward to seeing what happens in Brazil this summer.

"Whatever your club colours, I am sure we will all be supporting the Three Lions this summer."

Also in the video the duke praised the thousands of people who took part in grassroots football on a regular basis.

Manager Roy Hodgson's squad of 23 players are set to fly out to Florida later for more training, where they will play in two friendly matches against Ecuador and Honduras.