Ed Sheeran plays private acoustic set for England squad after World Cup win over Mexico

Ed Sheeran performed an acoustic set for England's players at their World Cup base following a 3-2 victory over Mexico.

Ed Sheeran played a private acoustic show for the England national football team after their 3-2 World Cup round-of-16 victory against Mexico. Footage of the performance was shared on England's official YouTube channel, showing Sheeran performing an acoustic version of his 2017 song 'Castle on the Hill' for the celebrating squad. The team had returned to their tournament base in Kansas City following the match. The win sent England into the next round of the World Cup, though it came at a cost — defender Jarell Quansah received a red card during the game and has since been suspended for two matches.

Why it matters

The result advances England further in the World Cup, though Quansah's two-match ban is a notable setback for the squad's defensive options going forward.

What's next

England will continue in the World Cup without Quansah for their next two matches.

Key facts

• England defeated Mexico 3-2 in the World Cup round of 16
• Ed Sheeran performed an acoustic version of his 2017 hit 'Castle on the Hill' for the squad
• The performance footage was published on England's official YouTube channel
• Defender Jarell Quansah received a red card during the Mexico match
• Quansah has been suspended for two World Cup matches as a result of the red card
• The England team had returned to their base in Kansas City after the match

Bias & framing notes

The two sources cover entirely separate angles of the same event — ESPN focused solely on the disciplinary consequences of the match, while The Independent covered the post-match celebration. Neither source conflicts with the other, but together they paint a fuller picture than either does alone. Source detail on the Kansas City location was partially cut off in the second source.