Will we get a Bank Holiday if England win the World Cup? Keir Starmer gives a great suggestion
There will be an extra Bank Holiday if England win the World Cup, Keir Starmer has insisted.
The outgoing Prime Minister commented on the national holiday when Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions end 60 years of injury time by lifting the trophy in North America.
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‘I don’t want to deceive you’
Having come out on top 3-2 against Mexico in the last 16, England prepare to face Norway’s Erling Haaland in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
Starmer described Mexico’s win as ‘one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen’ – but stopped short of guaranteeing Bank Holiday World Cup glory for the first time since 1966.
Speaking at a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Starmer said: “I don’t want to worry you… but I have to ask again. [about a Bank Holiday] if we reach the finals.”
When is the World Bank Holiday for England?
Many reports say there will be a Bank Holiday declared if England lift the trophy.
The final will be played on Sunday, July 19. Any bank holiday will then fall on the Friday following England’s victory – July 24.
It marked a sharp change in attitude for Starmer, who had previously dismissed the Bank Holiday speech.
The Prime Minister, who stepped down last month and is expected to hand over the baton to Andy Burnham on July 20, could still declare a national holiday before officially leaving No10.
England currently enjoys eight national holidays, but important events have led to more in the past, such as the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.
Meanwhile, north of the border, Scotland were given a special Bank Holiday last month after the national team qualified for their first World Cup in 26 years.
Putting friendship to the test
Starmer, who allowed pubs to stay open until 5am when England’s match with Mexico kicked off, joked about his friendship with fellow Norwegian Jonas Gahr Store ahead of this weekend’s crunch game.
“I told Jonas, the Prime Minister of Norway, we work very well together, I am his best friend.
“Norway’s relationship with the UK is as strong as it has ever been and he is an important figure in the partnerships we have been building.
“But for 90 minutes on Saturday night, we’ll have to go our separate ways as we go into that game…”
England will need to be at their best if they are to beat Norway, who sent Brazil to the last 16 as Haaland scored both goals in a 2-1 victory – taking his tally to seven goals in his first World Cup.
But the Three Lions could be boosted by reported illness concerns in the Norwegian camp.
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Then there were eight
Saturday’s game in Miami starts at 10pm BST, with the winners meeting either Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-finals.
The quarterfinal matches will begin on Thursday night when two-time world champions France will face African champions Morocco in Boston.
That is followed on Friday by a tie between Euro 2024 winners Spain and Belgium in Los Angeles.
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