British Prime Minister David Cameron roared on the England football team with a "Come on England!" cry ahead of their World Cup opener against the United States on Saturday.
He sent a good luck message and a hearty "Come on England" to the 23-man squad and their manager Fabio Capello as he lent his support to the Football Association governing body's England Football Day campaign, which aims to encourage people to get into the sport.
"I want to wish the England team and Fabio Capello every piece of good luck for the whole of the World Cup, but starting with tonight's vital game against the United States," Cameron said.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I keep saying we are all in this together and that is particularly true when cheering on the England team.
"I am also delighted to be the 150,000th member of the online squad, and I want to support England Football Day, I think it's a great way of encouraging people to get out there and play, or watch or coach the beautiful game.
"So, come on England!"
On a visit Friday to Britain's main Camp Bastion military base in southern Afghanistan, Cameron read a message from Capello to the troops.
"While the players receive incredible support from the country as we are about to kick off in the World Cup, it is important you know how much all your efforts mean to all the players and staff with the England team," it read.
"Your brave service to your country means so much to the players and we will all have complete respect for the incredible sacrifices that you and your families have made.
"While we will be doing all we can to achieve success in South Africa for the whole country, we want you know that we believe that you are the real heroes."
