King Charles has cheekily urged England to avoid ‘more penalties drama’ for the sake of the nation’s stress levels – as he and Prince William congratulated the Three Lions on reaching the Euro 2024 final.

In a message to Gareth Southgate’s side following England’s historic 2-1 win against the Netherlands, Charles sent the players the royal family’s ‘very best wishes’ and ‘warmest congratulations’.

The King joked about England’s recent ups and downs, warning fans about their blood pressure for the final against Spain.

He said: ‘My wife and I join all our family in wishing you the warmest congratulations on reaching the final of the U.E.F.A. European Championship – and in sending our very best wishes for Sunday’s match.

“If I may suggest securing victory before any last-minute wonder-goals or penalty drama, it would surely alleviate the stress on the nation’s heart rate and blood pressure!”

‘Good luck, England.’

It comes after more drama in the semi-final after Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored a 90th-minute winner to send them through to their first Euros final on foreign soil.

The Three Lions fell behind after seven minutes to a Xavi Simons strike but a controversial Harry Kane penalty, awarded by VAR, brought the scores level 10 minutes later.

The Prince of Wales, who is a Villa fan, also congratulated England and singled out Watkins for praise in a message on social media.

He said: ‘What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists.’

It is understood William, who is president of the Football Association, is likely to travel to Berlin for the final on Sunday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was able to watch some of the game while attending a Nato summit in Washington DC, has confirmed he will attend Sunday’s final in Berlin.

In a post on X, he said: ‘What a game @England and what a winner. Berlin here we come!’

He also suggested football was coming home following England’s semi-final win.

At an Oval Office meeting with US President Joe Biden, Sir Keir was asked if football was coming home, and said: ‘It looks like it.’

‘It’s because of the Prime Minister,’ Mr Biden replied.

After England’s historic win against the Netherlands, King Charles congratulated the team on reaching the Euro 2024 final and wished them luck for the upcoming match against Spain. However, he couldn’t resist a cheeky comment about avoiding the stress of last-minute drama and penalty shootouts. The King humorously suggested that securing victory early would be better for the nation’s collective blood pressure.

In the semi-final match, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins was the unlikely hero with a 90th-minute winner that sent England to their first Euros final on foreign soil. Despite falling behind early to a Xavi Simons goal, a controversial penalty awarded by VAR and converted by Harry Kane brought the scores level.

Prince Charles, a Villa fan himself, took to social media to praise Watkins for his game-changing goal and congratulate the England team on reaching the final. He expressed his excitement by calling Watkins’ goal a “beauty” and celebrating England as the #EURO2024 Finalists.

Looking ahead to the final match against Spain, it’s not just the royal family showing their support. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was following the game from a Nato summit in Washington DC, confirmed his attendance at the final in Berlin. He shared his enthusiasm for England’s victory and hinted that football might indeed be “coming home.”

With the anticipation building for the final showdown, all eyes will be on Berlin as England aims to secure their first Euro championship title. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments as the big match approaches!