By Tapan MohantaKolkata, Oct 29 (PTI) The victorious England footballteam were flooded with congratulatory messages with none otherthan Prince William hailing the Young Lions on their FIFA U-17 World Cup triumph.
Former England captains David Beckham and eayne Rooneyalong with current superstar Harry Kane were among thedistinguished sportspersons, who congratulated the team.
"Congratulations to @England on becoming World Championsin an amazing #U17WorldCupFinal... This is the second WorldCup our #YoungLions have won this year - hugely excitingmoment for the future of English football," Prince William theDuke of Cambridge tweeted last night on their official handle@KensingtonRoyal.
England's all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney andcurrent captain Harry Kane too have showered praise on theYoung Lions with congratulatory messages on their respectiveTwitter accounts.
Talking to reporters at the team hotel, the U-17 WorldCup winning coach Steve Cooper said that there has been adeluge of text messages on social media as the Young Lions gotready to board a 3.05am flight via Doha.
"We had a dinner celebration and had some speeches, it'svery nice feelings. The family members came, we just enjoyedthe moment. Everyone is pleased with our achievements. It'simportant to enjoy the moment. When you achieve something likethis it's important that everybody has a smile," Cooper said.
"There has been a loads of text messages as well as quitea bit on social media. David Beckham and a lot of other firstteam players congratulated. Everybody back home is reallysupportive, pleased with our show. It's important to recognisethe achievements.""All the national team coaches and (English manager)Gareth Southgate, the management... They watched the game aswell and we received messages from all parts. It's arecognition of all the good work we have been doing at theFootball Association," Cooper added.
The menu spread at the dinner table was simple withchicken and some of them also had rice.
Cooper also congratulated all his support staff duringtheir celebratory dinner.
"It's a recognition for the staff as well. They have donean amazing job. Every member deserved a round of applause. Weenjoyed each other's company."India coach Stephen Constantine also has sent in hiscongratulatory message to the English youngsters.
"We have been in constant touch on the text. He has sentbest wishes before the match well. I got a friend in Stephennow. We are really pleased with his achievements, an Englishcoach doing well abroad..."He further said the youngsters have a long way to go.
"Nobody is going to get carried away, still a long way togo with this boys."Signing off from India with an experience of a lifetime,Cooper said: "We have loved India. It has been a fantasticexperience. We enjoyed every bit of our stay in Mumbai,Kolkata, Goa, the 24 hours, we spent in Guwahati.... Everymoment has been a lifetime experience and it's not just aboutfootball.""We are grateful to the people. Obviously the amount offans who turned up for the game is something we will neverforget. We should be really proud of the job we have done inIndia. We have done a fabulous job," Cooper concluded.
Meanwhile, Mali who finished fourth after their 0-2defeat to Brazil, were the first team to leave city followedby runners-up Spain and the team members bid an emotionalgoodbye to India. PTI TAP KHSKHS.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.
