Keir Starmer, the outgoing Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, faced online ridicule after posting a message celebrating England's 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the World Cup.
Starmer's post, which included the phrase "It might actually be coming home" accompanied by an England flag, was quickly seized upon by critics. Many users on social media interpreted the slogan as a reference to Starmer's own departure from Downing Street, leading to a barrage of mocking replies. One user wrote, "It's coming home, and you are going home - BYE!" while another commented, "If 'it' is your P45 then yes, you are correct."
Critics also targeted Starmer's perceived past reluctance to display the English flag, with one user stating, "You can shut up you have not even put the England flag up in Downing St, every other PM have [sic] been proud to hang the English flag from every window. Shame on you."
Some users connected Starmer's tweet to recent criticism of his handling of the Defence Investment Plan, which was described as insufficient. "Do shut up. No one gives a toss about you or your opinion. Funny how you're only proud to be English when it suits you..." one post read.
Others pointed to England's less-than-convincing performance in the match, noting that the team conceded early and only secured the win late in the game thanks to two goals from captain Harry Kane. The team advanced to face Mexico in the Round of 16.
Oliver Holt, Chief Sports Writer for the Daily Mail, described England's performance as "abysmal defending" for much of the match, with goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi of DR Congo making heroic saves. However, Kane's late brace, his 12th and 13th World Cup goals, secured the victory. Kane is now level with Erling Haaland on five goals in the race for the Golden Boot, with only Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe having scored more.
Holt lauded Kane as a phenomenon, noting that the striker has scored more goals for England than Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer combined and is on track to become England's first goalscoring centurion. He suggested Kane has now surpassed Paul Gascoigne as the best player England has produced since 1966.