Labour have warned up and coming England footballers that they could miss crunch European Championship and World Cup matches due to National Service. Prime minister Rishi Sunak has set out plans to introduce National Service for 18-year-olds if the Conservative Party wins the General Election on July 4.
While not a conscription, the plan would compel people by law to complete a 12-month community programme, or enrol in a year-long military training scheme, when they turn 18.
The Telegraph reported that there would be limited deferments and the Royal Commission will aim to ensure everyone can take part. The Conservative Party have said that even royal children will be expected to take part.
It raises the prospect that England’s top teenage footballers could be forced to complete National Service. Labour are reportedly expected to make this point as part of attack plans.
According to the Mirror, Labour have compiled a dossier of England players who have been called up to international tournaments aged 18. It allegedly said: “Jude Bellingham, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney, Marcus Rashford, Luke Shaw have all been part of a senior England squad at an international competition when aged 18.”
Meanwhile, Shadow Paymaster General John Ashworth said: “Would they have been required to complete their one weekend of National Service during those tournaments? Would they be taken out of playing during the inevitable shootout in the semi-finals?”
A Tory source allegedly added: “There would not be exemptions for people who earn lots of money. It is 25 days per annum so it can be done at any point in the year.”
England footballers could therefore complete their National Service around international tournaments, should the proposal be implemented. However, that raises questions over when they will fit those activities in around their club duties, with most European leagues taking place from August to May.
Midfielder Bellingham turned 18 on the day England beat Germany 2-0 to advance to the Euro 2021 quarter-finals. Under Tory National Service plans, he would subsequently have spent the next 12 months completing at least 25 days of either community or military service.
The Birmingham-born talent, who now plays for Real Madrid, played 49 matches for club and country in the following year. The Tories insist there would be no exemption for British 18-year-olds living abroad.
Meanwhile, Kobbie Mainoo, who turned 19 last month, would have spent the previous 12 months completing National Service under the proposals. Mainoo is the youngest player named in England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024.
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