Goodwill messages from the men and women of the UK Armed Forces serving in Afghanistan were delivered to the England World Cup Squad in South Africa last week. The players have been watching the DVD compiled by troops with a mix of appreciation, humility and awe.

"Looking at their surroundings makes me realize how lucky I am to be here leading the team out in the World Cup,'' said UK player Wayne Rooney. "We realize as players what they are doing out there for the country. It does put everything into perspective. It drives you on when you realize how much it means to people that we do well out here."

(WATCH the video below, or read the story in the Telegraph)