We will never know if Gareth Southgate’s Euros squad announcement just the day before was the trigger that caused Rishi Sunak to make his surprise election announcement. Did the Prime Minister look at a line-up loaded with young talent and conclude that going to the polls just as the nation will, hopefully, be preparing for a sun-soaked quarter final was a good idea?
By settling on July 4, Sunak and his team of advisers might have calculated that the Three Lions’ progress under the leadership of someone able but dull might be a useful backdrop to a campaign where positivity will be in short supply. Same goes in Scotland where all eyes will be on their team and a manager unencumbered by charisma.
