It was a classic gaffe from an accident-prone prime minister. But it showed that football was on his mind.
Despite his insistence that he supports Southampton, Sunak never gave the impression of being a keen follower of the sport if he was, he would surely have known not to raise the subject of the 2024 Euros in Wales. More proof came later in the campaign when he turned up at a training session for youngsters at Chesham United. Shall we say, his dribbling skills left a lot to be desired - he managed to stumble over a traffic cone - and the resulting picture was not what he or his PR advisers had hoped for.
Still, there is no doubt that the ex-PM and his strategists had factored the football in as possibly adding to a feelgood factor, one of the reasons why he chose to go early with the choice of polling date, along with inflation coming down and the prospect of lower interest rates.
Alas, Sunak was typically unlucky. England's early performances did not inspire, attracting negative headlines and resigned expectation that another major competition would have been and gone.
Now, look. England are in Sunday's final. Late in the day but not too late to win, they're playing with a style and swagger that was lacking previously. Not only that, but they also managed to beat Switzerland on the dreaded penalties. In Germany.
This story is from the July 13, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 13, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'I didn't think I'd make it'
Adam Smith, the commentator with a voice synonymous with boxing’, tells Alex Pattle about his enforced absence from the sport and his agonising battle with cancer
England charge back after early Australian fireworks
England weathered some early fireworks from Travis Head to restrict Australia to 179 in their series-opening T20 against Australia.
Reeves must cut the gloom to return the UK to growth
Not many people are inclined to feel much sympathy for Rachel Reeves at the moment the cut to winter fuel payments could hardly have gone down worse but she’s been dealt a dismal hand. And now the economy has stalled on her.
Stones opens up on Euros hurt and Harry's hundred.
Defender eyes century of caps as young Lions add energy’
‘Age gap, schmage gap - it's a bit cringe, but love is love'
Harriet Dyer and Patrick Brammall are co-writers, co-stars, and married. They tell Ellie Harrison what it’s like to work together on their hit comedy series Colin from Accounts’
How 'Funeral' cost Arcade Fire blood, sweat and tears
Mark Beaumont talks to members of the band about how the seminal album was shaped by death, near-fatal live shows and the Montreal music scene, 20 years since its initial release
'I realised he could kill me
After James Barr’s ex became abusive, the comedian ended up living in fear of his partner. He believes we need to talk more about domestic violence in the queer community
'I use my fuel allowance to go out for dinner at The Ivy'
As the backlash grows over the decision to cut the benefit for some pensioners, Zoe Beaty heads to Harrogate in Yorkshire where she nears two very different takes on Labour’s policy
Where's a warm winter trip outside the Schengen area?
A Brexit really does keep on giving, doesn’t it? The decision to leave the European Union was followed by the UK securing its status as a “third country”, alongside Paraguay and East Timor, thereby making British travellers subject to all kinds of red tape.
The thrilling tale of six days that changed Britain forever
Ben Macintyre’s unputdownable new book The Siege’ tells the story of an SAS op like no other, writes Robert McCrum
