The victorious England football team were flooded with congratulatory messages with none other than Prince William hailing the Young Lions on their FIFA U-17
World Cup triumph.
Former England captains David Beckham and eayne Rooney along with current superstar Harry Kane were among the distinguished sportspersons, who congratulated the team.
"Congratulations to @England on becoming World Champions in an amazing #U17WorldCupFinal... This is the second World Cup our #YoungLions have won this year - hugely exciting moment for the future of English football," Prince William the Duke of Cambridge tweeted last night on their official handle @KensingtonRoyal.
England's all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney and current captain Harry Kane too have showered praise on the Young Lions with congratulatory messages on their respective Twitter accounts.
Talking to reporters at the team hotel, the U-17 World Cup winning coach Steve Cooper said that there has been a deluge of text messages on social media as the Young Lions got ready to board a 3.05am flight via Doha.
"We had a dinner celebration and had some speeches, it's very nice feelings. The family members came, we just enjoyed the moment. Everyone is pleased with our achievements. It's important to enjoy the moment. When you achieve something like this it's important that everybody has a smile," Cooper said.
"There has been a loads of text messages as well as quite a bit on social media. David Beckham and a lot of other first team players congratulated. Everybody back home is really supportive, pleased with our show. It's important to recognise the achievements."
"All the national team coaches and (English manager) Gareth Southgate, the management... They watched the game as well and we received messages from all parts. It's a recognition of all the good work we have been doing at the Football Association," Cooper added.
The menu spread at the dinner table was simple with chicken and some of them also had rice.
Cooper also congratulated all his support staff during their celebratory dinner.
"It's a recognition for the staff as well. They have done an amazing job. Every member deserved a round of applause. We enjoyed each other's company."
India coach Stephen Constantine also has sent in his congratulatory message to the English youngsters.
"We have been in constant touch on the text. He has sent best wishes before the match well. I got a friend in Stephen now. We are really pleased with his achievements, an English coach 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 to go with this boys."
Signing off from India with an experience of a lifetime, Cooper said: "We have loved India. It has been a fantastic experience. We enjoyed every bit of our stay in Mumbai, Kolkata, Goa, the 24 hours, we spent in Guwahati.... Every moment has been a lifetime experience and it's not just about football."
"We are grateful to the people. Obviously the amount of fans who turned up for the game is something we will never forget. We should be really proud of the job we have done in India. We have done a fabulous job," Cooper concluded.
Meanwhile, Mali who finished fourth after their 0-2 defeat to Brazil, were the first team to leave city followed by runners-up Spain and the team members bid an emotional goodbye to India.
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