England's women meet Duke of Cambridge before flying off to European Championship
Thursday 13 July 2017 15:51, UK
The Duke of Cambridge will "do his best" to attend if England’s Women reach the final of this summer's European Championships.
Before flying to the Netherlands, Mark Sampson's squad were invited to a lunchtime reception hosted by The Duke at Kensington Palace.
"I'm sure you'll nail it, and if you get there I'll do my best to get to the final," he said to England captain Steph Houghton.
"It would be great if he came to the final, but we've got to get to the final. Maybe we can give him a decision to make!" Sampson said.
The Duke was able to renew his rivalry with Lionesses midfielder Jill Scott, whom he joked had left him with a scar during a tackle she made in a friendly kick-about 10 years ago.
"We've met a few times before and he always brings up the time when I slipped and went into his ankle," Scott said.
"He said I'd scarred him for life, but I don't think I did. I've got a picture of the tackle, I actually slipped. He said I'm lethal and always says I like to put in a good challenge, so he's remembered that one."
England go into the tournament as one of the favourites and their first game is against Scotland on July 19.
