England fans could be handed an extra bank holiday if the Three Lions end 60 years of hurt by winning the World Cup, with Sir Keir Starmer refusing to rule out a national day off.
Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, the Prime Minister hinted the Government is ready to reward the nation if England “bring it home” for the first time since 1966.
Asked whether a bank holiday would be declared if England lift the trophy on July 19, Sir Keir smiled: “Let’s see what happens if we get there.
“But on the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
His comments come after government insiders indicated an additional public holiday is increasingly likely should England be crowned world champions.
Optimism is sweeping the country after England produced one of their greatest World Cup performances, beating hosts Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca despite playing much of the second half with 10 men.
Sir Keir praised the display, saying: “I thought we were fantastic the other night against Mexico.
“One of the best England performances I’ve ever seen.”
England now face Norway and Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in the quarter-finals in Miami.
Ahead of the clash, Sir Keir met Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, with both leaders posing in their national football shirts before joking that their friendship would be put on hold for 90 minutes.
Sir Keir also pointed out that England’s only World Cup triumph came under a Labour government, when Harold Wilson was Prime Minister in 1966.
If England go all the way this time, any extra bank holiday would fall on Sir Keir’s final full day in office, before Andy Burnham is expected to become Prime Minister on July 20.
While governments are often reluctant to introduce additional bank holidays because they are estimated to cost the economy around £2.4 billion, ministers could be tempted by the huge boost to hospitality, tourism and retail.
Pubs have reported takings soaring by up to 90 per cent on England World Cup matchdays, with millions expected to celebrate if the Three Lions finally end decades of heartbreak.
For now, fans have one message: beat Norway first—and then start planning the party.
Leave a Comment