Two England footballers set wild new record thanks to country's political chaos
The UK’s never-ending political disorder means that two World Cup England footballers have accidentally made history in a very unique way.
Harry Kane and John Stones have reportedly become the first England internationals to go through a change of Prime Minister during a major international tournament for a third time.
It comes as Keir Starmer resigned on Monday (22 June) from both roles as UK PM and leader of the Labour Party, after less than two years in leadership.
His resignation means that Britain will be preparing for its seventh Prime Minister in 10 years, making for the highest level of turnover in Britain in nearly two centuries.
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While his replacement is yet to be chosen, it also means that Stones and Kane will be getting some serious déjà vu.
The Times journalist John Peck is the one who pointed out the unique statistic on X, however his claim that the record also included Jordan Henderson appears to have been shut down by fans in the comments, who remembered that Henderson wasn’t part of the 2024 Euros squad.
To break it down, in July 2016, David Cameron resigned after the Brexit referendum and was replaced by Theresa May during the 2016 Euros.
Then, in July 2024, Rishi Sunak was replaced by Keir Starmer following the UK general election, which took place during the 2024 Euros.
And finally, Keir Starmer’s resignation has, of course, taken place during the 2026 World Cup, with a successor expected to take office while the tournament is ongoing.
Kane and Stones were in the England squad for all three of these footballing competitions, causing them to break this mind-blowing record, without even realising.
Reacting to the statistic on social media, one X user joked: “England players collecting prime ministers like tournament stickers.”
While a second wrote: “These PMs keep stepping down so they don’t have to go into work the next day after a 1am England-Mexico game, I know their secrets.”
A third added: “It's almost like we change prime ministers with the same regularity as football tournaments.”
And a fourth and fifth chimed in with: “That’s a great stat” and “This is the sort of content I want to see on here.”
Others pointed out: “Henderson wasn’t in the 24 squad unfortunately,” and “Jordan Henderson wasn't in the squad in 2024”.
Announcing his resignation this week, Starmer said: "I know the question being asked now is not, 'Who was best placed to change the Labour party, to take us into power and to take the vital work of improving lives for millions of people?'
"Those questions have been answered."
He continued: "The question my party is asking now is whether I am best placed to lead us into the next general election. I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party to that question. And I accept that answer with good grace.
"Every decision I've taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party. I have spoken to His Majesty, the King, this morning to inform him of my decision."
A contest to replace him as Labour leader and Prime Minister will take place, with Andy Burnham looking to be the top contender.
Topics: Keir Starmer, Politics, World Cup, UK News, Football
Madison Burgess