The nation could see the end of two high-profile careers this week - possibly on consecutive days.
Reports have suggested Fabio Capello will stand down as England boss – thereby ending his career in football management – if his lads fail to progress to the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Should Mr Capello hand in his notice immediately after Wednesday's match against Slovenia, it's inevitable he'll receive rather more media attention than that of the previous day's retirement: William Gladstone's shabby red Budget box will be used for the last time on Tuesday, after 150 years' service.