LONDON: Two Conservatives fighting to become UK prime minister yesterday vowed to host a reception for England’s victorious Lionesses, as Boris Johnson faced criticism for allegedly snubbing footballers.

Women’s team won Euro 2022 tournament at London’s Wembley Stadium earning England its first major football trophy since 1966. But after watching England men’s team at their own Euro final last year, Johnson skipped women’s match and was also absent from opening last week of Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. He watched women’s final against Germany at his Chequers country retreat, not far from London, a day after holding a delayed wedding party with his wife Carrie.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss who did attend Sunday’s final and former finance minister Rishi Sunak duly obliged by promising a reception in 10 Downing Street after Johnson leaves in September. “Lionesses have been an inspiration to our nation,” a spokesperson for Truss campaign said. Main opposition Labour party meanwhile urged government to capitalise on momentum given to sport for girls and women in Britain, accusing it of squandering past opportunities. Government insisted it was investing millions of pounds and said it plans to name sports facilities after each of 23 England squad members in their hometowns.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz did make trip to Wembley and several commentators suggested Johnson did not want to risk being booed by public as he prepares to leave office after a spate of scandals. Neither is there any plan for a Downing Street reception for women’s team this week, Johnson’s spokesman confirmed, despite England cricket and rugby teams getting officially feted in years past.

Prime Minister was in Northern Ireland for funeral of territory’s late leader David Trimble and is going on holiday from Wednesday to Sunday. But Johnson is open to granting England squad’s manager and players state honors, spokesman said, as “clearly public want to see (the) Lionesses receive recognition.”