Echoes of 1966: Sir Keir Starmer Channels Harold Wilson’s Football Fervor Amid Euro Final Excitement

Political maneuver: Is Sir Keir Starmer emulating Harold Wilson?

The head of the Labour Party has expressed his desire to "celebrate the event" should England triumph, leading to rumors of a potential additional bank holiday and a Downing Street reception for the squad.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 10

Is Sir Keir Starmer channeling Harold Wilson by prominently backing Gareth Southgate's team in the Euro final?

"Did you ever observe," the clever Mr. Wilson remarked following Alf Ramsey's team's victory in 1966, "that we only seem to clinch the World Cup when a Labour government is in power?"

Just a week into his tenure as prime minister, Sir Keir is set to attend the Euros final against Spain in Berlin, following his discussions with US President Joe Biden in Washington.

He expressed a desire to commemorate the event should England emerge victorious, leading to rumors of a potential additional bank holiday and a possible reception at Downing Street for the squad.

In 1966, Mr. Wilson hurriedly returned to London from meetings with US President Lyndon Johnson in Washington and Canadian Prime Minister Lester Pearson in Ottawa, to catch the final match at Wembley.

"Wilson landed at 1:10 PM, just in time for the 3 PM start," Labour MP Nick Thomas-Symonds notes in his latest biography on Harold Wilson.

"England's renowned 4-2 win in overtime established an unbroken record: England has only ever won the World Cup when a Labour government was in power."

Mr. Wilson participated in the formal celebration dinner at the Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington, and subsequently praised the team's success during Prime Minister's Questions a few days afterward.

This occasion marks the European Championship, not the World Cup, and Sir Keir has extended his best wishes to Southgate and his squad for the finals, even hinting that "football's coming home."

"He modestly expressed that people do not require constant advice from politicians on their actions."

In the 1970s, Mr. Wilson likened his duties as prime minister to that of a key defensive player in football, referring to himself as a "deep-lying center half."

Sir Keir praised the 2024 players, expressing that their efforts had brought immense pride to the nation. He emphasized, "Regardless of the outcome, it's important for you to recognize that you've brought unity to the country, and everyone supports you."

Learn more: Kane asserts England is determined to redeem themselves after their last Euros final loss. Southgate aspires to secure the Euros title to offer some brief joy to a discontented nation. The coach states that the outcome of the final will not determine his continuation as the England manager.

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Messages of good fortune from former prime ministers

Ex-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak penned a letter of goodwill following a mishap during the election campaign, where he mistakenly inquired if Welsh voters were excited for the Euros, not realizing that Wales had not qualified for the tournament.

Three years prior, as England made it to the Euro finals but ultimately fell to Italy in a penalty shootout, Boris Johnson penned an encouraging note to Southgate and his squad, expressed in his characteristically vibrant style.

"The former prime minister penned, 'The camaraderie, vigor, and persistent collaboration you exhibit, coupled with an undeniable charm, radiates through all your endeavors,'" yet despite their valiant efforts, England did not claim victory.

In 2018, Theresa May, who prefers cricket over football, confessed that she had to leave the room during England's World Cup penalty shoot-out with Colombia, as she was too anxious to watch. It seems some things remain the same!

What about other ex-premiers?

In 1996, the same year Gareth Southgate famously missed in the penalty shootout against Germany during the Euro '96 semi-finals, John Major, who was also an avid cricket fan, optimistically proclaimed before the match that "football has definitely returned home this season."

Yet, within twelve months, Mr. Major had departed from office

During the 1990 World Cup in Italy, as England geared up for a match against West Germany amidst the waning days of Margaret Thatcher's leadership, it was rumored that a cabinet minister, detailing the numerous problems facing the government, remarked to her that, adding insult to injury, England was "on the brink of defeat to Germany in our national sport."

It was reported that Mrs. Thatcher's quick reaction, which was infamous yet never refuted, ensued swiftly.

"Indeed, we've outplayed them in their own beloved sport twice in this century," was the common sentiment. However, by the time 1990 concluded, she had departed.

Stay updated on the most recent developments from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

'Why was Charlton substituted out?'

Sir Keir, an avid Arsenal supporter with a season ticket and a regular player even at 61, has shown more interest in football and international tournaments than any prime minister before him, surpassing even Mr. Wilson's enthusiasm.

Reflecting on his initial period as prime minister with a novice team, Mr. Wilson stated: "I assumed all roles; I was the one taking the penalties, guarding the goal, executing the corner-kicks, and sprinting along the sideline."

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Yet in 1970, four years following his joyful celebration of England's World Cup victory, Mr. Wilson referred to his electoral loss to Edward Heath on June 18 as "a relegation."

He attributed the loss to England’s 3-2 defeat to West Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals, which had occurred four days earlier on June 14 in Mexico's intense heat, despite England initially leading 2-0.

In his biography, Nick Thomas-Symonds notes that Mr. Wilson specifically criticized manager Sir Alf Ramsey for his decision to replace Bobby Charlton when England was leading 2-1.

"Why did he substitute Charlton, Denis?" Mr. Wilson questioned his sports minister, Denis Howell, who had previously served as an FA referee and was dubbed a "back page politician" by the iconic sports broadcaster David Coleman.

Should England clinch the Euro 2024 title, the demand for a national holiday will be accompanied by significant calls for knighting the second national coach who has guided his team to triumph this year.

Associated Subjects

Sky News Bottom Section

Information on Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Network Channels

Additional Sky Websites