Labour’s culture secretary has insisted that the government will be “more like Southgate” after England’s Euros final defeat to Spain.
Labour’s Plans
The new Labour government will try to be more like England manager Gareth Southgate, according to the culture secretary.
Inspiration From England Manager
According to culture secretary Lisa Nandy, Labour wants to take inspiration from the England manager to make the country as diverse as possible.
“Far More Gareth Southgate”
Nandy claimed that the Labour government “will be far more Gareth Southgate, far less Michael Gove,” referring to the former secretary of state for levelling up, housing and communities.
Southgate’s Diverse Squad
Nandy also claimed that Gareth Southgate, the man who took England to back-to-back Euro finals, did so using a diverse squad, which Labour wants to build on.
England’s Diversity Praised
“When kids were turning on their TV sets last night across England, every single one of them would have been able to see themselves reflected in that team,” Nandy said.
Positives From Defeat
Nandy praised the England team despite their 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euros final. She insisted that diversity had a key role in England’s successful campaign.
Southgate’s Inclusive Story
“And in doing so he’s told an inclusive story about the country that we can be, at times with the politics that we’ve had, it’s very difficult for people to feel part of our national story,” Nandy continued.
Copying Southgate’s Success
Nandy linked Southgate’s success to diversity, claiming that she wants Labour to do the same after 14 years of a Conservative government, which she claimed divided the nation.
This Will Be Different
“It is firmly my intention that this government will be different… we will be far more Gareth Southgate, far less Michael Gove, the era of division needs to end,” the culture secretary claimed.
Strong Leadership
Lisa Nandy touched on Southgate’s leadership qualities, arguing that the Labour Party will follow in these footsteps.
Leading Through Difficult Times
Nandy claimed that Southgate has “shown the leadership we need in some really difficult times for this country”.
Southgate to Step Down?
Rumours are circulating that Southgate could step down from his role as England boss after six years, which has divided opinions, but she says that one thing is clear.
Praising Southgate’s Tenure
Despite many calling for Southgate’s dismissal from the position before and even during the Euros, Nandy says we should be proud of his efforts.
A Successful Tenure?
“We owe him an enormous debt, whatever he decides to do in the future,” Nandy said. Southgate has taken England to more finals than any other England manager in history.
New Grassroots Funding
The culture secretary and the Labour government have promised additional funding for grassroots football in the UK.
Importance of Representation
The Labour government has insisted that it wants children to be inspired by the England team, and that means giving young people the representation they need to feel like the opportunity is there for them.
A Dark Cloud
Southgate took England to back-to-back finals in the Euros, the first of any of his predecessors to do so, but one thing looms over his career.
A Miserable Statistic
Southgate is the only manager in international football ever to have lost two Euro finals, narrowly missing out on the trophy in 2021 and now 2024.
Big Changes in the UK
With the UK changing government during the Euros championship, it seems that won’t be the only big change to the country this summer.
A Change in Leadership
The country decided that the Labour Party would take over from the Conservatives on July 4, and now the country’s calls for a new England manager could finally be answered.
Now Is Not The Time
Southgate was asked about his future but gave no definite answer, “I don’t think now is a good time to make a decision like that,” he said.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / katatonia82.