Rishi Sunak’s Lionesses’ tweet congratulating team after World Cup final defeat mocked
Rishi Sunak was mocked for his condolence tweet after the Lionesses lost the Women’s World Cup final 1-0 to Spain.
In a post on Twitter, now known as X, the Prime Minister of the England football team said: “You left absolutely nothing out there lionesses.”
Senior Labor MP Angela Eagle pointed out that he falsified a supportive comment on Sarina Wiegman’s side’s efforts in the competition.
“I think the phrase is ‘absolutely everything’ Prime Minister,” Ms Eagle tweeted.
Broadcaster Jon Sopel, host of The News Agents podcast, also pointed out the error, saying, “Surely everything!?”
LBC anchor Shelagh Fogarty joked the tweet was “written by a 16-year-old Spad[special counsel]”.
Conservative Party leader Mr Sunak was criticized for not traveling to Sydney, Australia, to attend the final in person.
Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope expressed disappointment that Mr Sunak was absent while suggesting the Prince of Wales, who is the FA President, should have been at Stadium Australia to watch the game.
Cope, who has 60 caps for England and was at the 1995 World Cup, told Times Radio: “Let’s face it, if it was the men’s World Cup they would all be here.”
Mr Sunak released an open letter to the Lionesses ahead of kick-off, saying he would be “watching and cheering” on them.
But fans on Twitter were unimpressed, with one noting: “A letter? What a joke,” and another added, “Big deal… he should be there.”
England’s players lost to a Spaniard in the final of the Women’s World Cup in Sydney
(AFP via Getty Images)
When asked why he had not traveled to Australia, Downing Street pointed out that the British government was represented at the tournament’s conclusion by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.
Cabinet minister Mrs Frazer said ahead of Sunday’s kick-off: “I know the Prime Minister is very interested in women’s football.
“About a month ago he and I were with the lionesses at 10 Downing Street and I know he sent the lionesses a message today wishing them congratulations and good luck.”
In the second half, when England conceded a goal in the 29th minute through Olga Carmona’s goal, Mr Sunak tweeted: “We still believe!”.
The post featured a picture of him in a pub in his Richmond constituency in North Yorkshire, with the teetotal Prime Minister surrounded by his fellow supporters, wearing a white England home shirt and allegedly holding a soft drink.
No 10 did not invite the media to photograph the Southampton FC supporter and a keen cricket fan, Britain’s leaders, watching the game, but a personal photographer at taxpayer expense appeared to be in attendance.
