Rishi Sunak is leading tributes to the Lionesses after a video emerged of the teetotal Prime Minister watching the World Cup clash in the pub.
Sunak took to Twitter after the game and posted: ‘You left absolutely nothing out there @Lionesses.
‘It wasn’t to be, but you’ve already secured your legacy as game changers. We are all incredibly proud of you.’
He has also told the Lionesses that their immense success is inspiring young girls around the country as he wished the squad ‘the best of luck’ against Spain in a slick video tribute.
Mr Sunak, who like Prince William has come under fire for not attending the World Cup final in person, is filmed celebrating wildly in the pub and chatting to young fans in the video posted on his official Twitter account.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has told the Lionesses that their immense success is inspiring young girls around the country as he wished the squad ‘the best of luck’ against Spain in a slick video tribute
The Prime Minister lead tributes to the Lionesses on social media
The Prime Minister gave his thanks to the Lionesses for inspiring a generation of girls, including his own daughters Krishna, 10, and Anoushka, 12.
The lifelong Southampton FC supporter said that from being crowned European champions at Wembley in July 2022 to their phenomenal World Cup campaign, the Lionesses have made young girls ‘feel they belong on the pitch’.
‘So, in a way, you’ve already brought football home,’ Mr Sunak said, referring to the iconic England anthem.
The Prime Minister has been criticised for declining to fly to Sydney to support the Lionesses in person – with a source claiming he will be absent due to ‘existing Government business commitments’, but will be ‘cheering the Lionesses on from Yorkshire’.
He will instead be represented by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at Stadium Australia.
Mr Sunak has been criticised for not attending the World Cup final in person, with critics arguing he would have if it was the men’s squad playing
Rishi Sunak was filmed cheering with young girls as he thanked the Lionesses for inspiring them
Reading an open letter to Sarina Wiegman and her Lionesses squad from his desk at No 10, Mr Sunak said: ‘Lionesses on behalf of the entire country, I want to wish you the best of luck against Spain in the World Cup final!
‘This summer, you’ve made us all proud. It’s been a tough competition but at times you’ve made it look easy, and it doesn’t get better than beating the Aussies in their own back yard.’
‘Every step of the way, you’ve inspired us with your skill, teamwork and courage. This weekend, like millions of others, I will be watching and cheering you on.
‘But whatever the result, I want you to know that you have already secured a lasting legacy that every girl in our country will have equal access to school sport including football. You have defied the odds, faced down the doubters and paved the way.
‘For my daughters and every girl in this country you have made football something for them. You’ve made them feel they belong on that pitch. So in a way you’ve already brought football home.’
It comes after the Government pledged to offer girls equal access to football and school sport following an open letter from the Lionesses’ Euros-winning squad.
England fans cheer as they wait for the start of the Women’s World Cup final football match between Spain and England, at Boxpark Wembley in London
England fans hold flags as they wait for the start England’s huge clash against Spain today
England fans watching women’s World Cup final at Box Park, Croydon
The 23-players who took part in last summer’s tournament wrote to Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss the day after the Wembley final, urging them to build on the legacy created by their victory.
The Government want to deliver a minimum of two hours of PE per week and ensure that girls have equal access to all school sport, including football.
Mr Sunak finished his letter with: ‘All that remains is to bring the trophy home too and the whole nation is rooting for you. Thank you and good luck.’
Asked on Times Radio whether Mr Sunak should have travelled to Sydney, Australia, to watch England take on Spain, schools minister Nick Gibb said: ‘The Foreign Secretary has gone, the Culture Secretary has gone.
‘I’m sure he will be glued to the television, as we all are.
‘This is a very exciting time for our country and we are all rooting for the Lionesses to win the World Cup, although we shouldn’t jinx it by saying too much.
‘But we all are very excited. And it is exciting for young people as well.
‘The Euros had a galvanising effect I think on sport in schools in this country.’
The Lionesses are on the brink of World Cup glory. They take on Australia in Sydney at 11am BST
Mr Sunak will instead be represented by Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly at Stadium Australia
Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope added: ‘Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.’
King Charles, Prince William and England men’s boss Gareth Southgate have all joined Mr Sunak in wishing the Lionesses their best wishes.
The King said: ‘Good luck today Lionesses, and may you roar to victory!’
His son – and heir to the throne – Prince William said: ‘Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow.
‘We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’
His beaming daughter Princess Charlotte, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and clutching a football, added: ‘Good luck Lionesses!’
Meanwhile, Southgate said in a video posted on the Lionesses’ social media: ‘Hi to you all out there in Australia. You’re doing a brilliant job, so that’s the first thing, and of course there is no advice because you’ve done more than us already, and you know what is needed to win.
‘So all that remains is to wish you the very best for the final, and we hope you can bring that trophy back. Good luck everybody.’
England men’s captain Harry Kane – who recently completed a £100m move to Bayern Munich – added: ‘Hi Lionesses, I just wanted to say best of luck for the World Cup final on Sunday. I’ll be watching.
‘Amazing journey so far, you should be really proud of yourselves. We’re all behind you, all supporting you, we know you can do it, so go and get that World Cup win and bring that trophy home. All the best.’
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said: ‘No matter what happens on Sunday, the whole country will always be grateful to you for ensuring a generation of youngsters walk taller and prouder.
‘Just as for previous games we will be tuning in as a family, kicking every ball while trying to keep a lid on our nerves. Millions of households will be doing the same.’
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