Portugal vs Wales: Prince Charles wishes Chris Coleman's side 'good luck' ahead of Euro 2016 semi-final clash

Ben Morgan6 July 2016

Prince Charles today praised the Welsh football team as an “inspiring example of teamwork and sportsmanship” ahead of tonight’s historic Euro 2016 semi-final clash with Portugal.

He sent the good luck message to Chris Coleman’s squad as he spends the week in Wales for his annual summer visit.

The Prince said: “As you prepare for what will be — so far — the most important night in the history of Welsh football, I did just want to send you all my special thoughts and wishes.

“Throughout the whole championship, you have set an inspiring example of teamwork and sportsmanship and I have no doubt that in this latest game you will continue to give your country even greater cause for pride. Your historic achievements have already earned the support not only of Wales, but of the whole United Kingdom, and I hope you will know just how much we are all willing you on to further success.”

Wales are the surprises of Euro 2016, in their first major tournament since the 1958 World Cup.

One player hoping to have a vital role tonight is Crystal Palace’s Jonny Williams — despite the midfield ace growing up in Tonbridge rather than Tonypandy.

Williams, 22, could feature against Portugal in place of suspended Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey.

He was born in Pembury, Kent, and grew up in nearby Tonbridge but represented Wales at schoolboy level through his Anglesey-born father Peter. The midfielder has been dubbed “Joniesta”’ in honour of the Spain and Barcelona star Andres Iniesta, and his brother Robert has “Joniesta 20” on the back of the Palace shirt he wears.

Martin Addison, 57, who coached Williams at Tonbridge Angels FC, said: “Everyone is so proud of him. It brings a tear to your eye, especially when you see him lining up for the anthem and you get the emotion.

“When he joined the Angels he just walked straight into the side.

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“Jonny was such a lovely lad which is the first thing anyone says about him. Williams was signed by Palace aged nine after Mr Addison took him to a Football in the Community day and is now one of Palace’s longest-serving players. He attended Bennett Memorial Diocesan School in Tunbridge Wells and left in 2010 with 11 GCSEs, including five A grades. Lee Stoodley, the school’s head of PE, said Williams even excelled on the rugby field.

Meanwhile the former PE teacher of Wales’s superstar Gareth Bale today said the team could go all the way.Gwyn Morris, 48, taught Bale at Whitchurch High School in Cardiff from 2002 to 2005, at the same time as Welsh rugby captain Sam Warburton.

Mr Morris said: “I used to insist that Gareth played with his right foot — despite him being naturally left-footed. I wanted him to develop his game and he was so determined that he would stick to my instructions.When he scored against Russia with his right foot it made me smile tremendously.”

Watch the video above to see Prince Charles send a special message to Coleman and his team ahead of their semi-final game this evening.

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