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Mr Hancock left his role as Health Secretary after breaching social distancing guidelines by kissing colleague Gina Coladangelo. Images and video emerged of the pair embraced in his ministerial office last month in a breach of coronavirus restrictions.
It comes at a crucial time for the nation in the fight against Covid-19, with July 19 the proposed date for easing lockdown rules entirely.
It is also a busy period in the sporting calendar, with supporters cheering on home nations England, Wales and Scotland during Euro 2020.
Scotland exited the competition at the group stage after failing to beat Croatia, while Wales lost 4-0 to Denmark in the last-16.
England are set to play Germany on Tuesday evening in their last-16 clash.
Mr Lineker, who presents Euro 2020 coverage for the BBC, wrote on Twitter: “Who would have thought it? Matt Hancock is out before England.”
Sajid Javid, former Chancellor of the Exchequer, will replace Mr Hancock, who released a video message on Twitter as news of his resignation broke.
Mr Hancock, 42, said: “I understand the enormous sacrifices that everybody in this country has made, that you have made, and those of us who make these rules have got to stick by them and that’s why I have got to resign.”
About his appointment, Mr Javid said: “Honoured to have been asked to serve as Secretary of State for Health and Social Care at this critical time. I look forward to contributing to our fight against the pandemic, and serving my country from the Cabinet once again.”
READ MORE: Matt Hancock resigns as Health Secretary saying ‘We have to stick by the rules’
England suffered heartbreak at the 1990 World Cup and at Euro 96, losing twice to Germany in penalty shootouts.
Manager Gareth Southgate missed the crucial spotkick during the 1996 semi-final at Wembley and will relish the opportunity to make amends.
If England beat Germany, they will play either Ukraine or Sweden in the quarter-finals, followed by a semi-final match against either Denmark or Holland.
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