Southgate for Prime Minister

As the nail-biting England match climaxed last night, I was left thinking what fantastic role models the team were for my two impressionable (now football obsessed) sons. They were calm and measured under extreme pressure and demonstrated strength and perseverance, they were the very epitome of a team working together towards a common aim and carrying with them the hopes of a nation on their shoulders. They have inspired the young, made their mark on football history, and surely won the respect of the World for the way they have handled themselves. They have given us hope and done us proud.

What a contrast with the current state of play in British politics, where any sense of team or discipline or collectivism has all but disappeared. Politics in Westminster has become a dog eat dog, every person for themselves affair, where players such as Boris Johnson, or Gavin Williamson think they are bigger than the team and feel no sense of responsibility towards getting the best result for the country. It's as if Brexit has driven such a divisive wedge through the nation, that the traditional rules of play have been suspended.

Gareth Southgate has shown us what strong leadership and clear thinking can achieve, maybe Theresa May could learn a thing or two. Teams win when they have a game plan, everyone knows their role and plays their part. We need a Government with a strong leader, discipline and collective responsibility to deliver a Brexit that will inspire the next generation of young people, build respect for Britain as a trading nation and world leader, and most importantly give us hope for the future.

I never thought that I would be encouraging my sons to look up to footballers over our elected leaders. What a sorry state of affairs for British politics.