Keir Starmer and Gareth Southgate have a lot in common. It's not just that Starmer is an authentic football fan, unlike the many fake fan politicians with whom I have talked footie in my 40 years on the Westminster beat. Southgate is adept at the politics of being England manager - unlike many of his predecessors.
Both are unifying figures, as Southgate showed in the row about taking the knee, with his inspiring "Dear England" letter. Starmer is now trying to unite a country after the Conservatives practised the politics of division for 14 years and the country was polarised by Brexit.
The common bond between the two men is: respect. For Southgate, it's not just the Respect campaign for "safer, healthier, more inclusive football for all" and respect for referees. The England manager respects his players, giving them credit when things go well on the pitch and taking personal responsibility when they go badly, as they did in those frustrating early games at the Euros. Whatever the result of the final, Southgate has again united the country behind the England team.
Denne historien er fra July 13, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra July 13, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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