Rishi Sunak’s Lionesses tweet congratulating team after World Cup final defeat mocked
The prime minister was teased for muddling the phrase following the Lionesses’ World Cup final loss to Spain
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rishi Sunak has been mocked for his commiseration 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 told the England football team: “You left absolutely nothing out there, Lionesses.”
Senior Labour MP Angela Eagle pointed out that he had muddled what was intended to be a supportive comment about Sarina Wiegman’s side’s efforts in the contest.
“I think the phrase is ‘absolutely everything’ PM,” Ms Eagle tweeted.
England v Spain LIVE: Reaction to Women’s World Cup final result as Lionesses suffer heartbreak
We gave everything – Sarina Wiegman so proud despite ‘hard to take’ final defeat
A change too far? England’s last roll of the dice comes up short
‘England did us proud’: Gary Lineker leads stars congratulating Lionesses for World Cup final efforts
Broadcaster Jon Sopel, host of The News Agents podcast, also pointed out the error, saying: “Everything, surely!?”
Shelagh Fogarty, a presenter on LBC, joked that the tweet had been “written by a 16-year-old Spad (special adviser)”.
Conservative Party leader Mr Sunak has faced criticism for not travelling to Sydney, Australia, to watch the final in person.
Former England goalkeeper Pauline Cope expressed her disappointment that Mr Sunak had not attended, while also suggesting that the Prince of Wales, who is president of the FA, should have been at Stadium Australia to watch the match.
Cope, who has 60 England caps and played in the 1995 World Cup, told Times Radio: “Let’s be honest, if it was the men’s World Cup, they would all be here.”
Mr Sunak published an open letter to the Lionesses ahead of kick off, saying that he would be “watching and cheering” them on.
But fans on Twitter appeared unimpressed, with one remarking “A letter? what a joke”, and another adding: “Big deal … he should be there.”
Asked why he did not travel to Australia, Downing Street pointed to the UK Government being represented at the tournament’s conclusion by Foreign Secretary James Cleverly and Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer.
Cabinet minister Ms Frazer said ahead of Sunday’s kick-off: “I know that the prime minister feels very passionately about the women’s game.
“Only about a month or so ago he and I were at 10 Downing Street with the Lionesses, and I know he sent a message to the Lionesses wishing them congratulations and luck today.”
During the second half, with England a goal down to Olga Carmona’s strike in the 29th minute, Mr Sunak tweeted: “We still believe!”.
The post included a picture of him in a pub in his North Yorkshire constituency of Richmond, with the teetotal Prime Minister, surrounded by fellow supporters, wearing a white England home jersey while holding what is thought to be a non-alcoholic drink in his hand.
No 10 did not invite the media to capture the British leader, who supports Southampton FC and is an avid cricket fan, watching the game but a personal photographer at the taxpayers’ expense appeared to be on hand.