England will receive an extra bank holiday if the men’s national football team wins the World Cup, Sir Keir Starmer is expected to confirm. According to reports, the outgoing Labour Prime Minister is prepared to authorize a special day off to celebrate a potential victory by Thomas Tuchel’s squad.
The likely date for this bank holiday is Friday, 24 July, allowing the team to return from the World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday, 19 July. This timing also provides the Football Association with a few days to organize a celebratory open-top bus parade through central London.
England’s thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico in Mexico City, described by many as the team’s best World Cup performance since their 1966 final appearance, has heightened anticipation for the tournament’s next stages.
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Starmer is set to step down as prime minister the following day, with Andy Burnham expected to take over. Should England reach the final, Starmer is likely to attend, which might briefly delay the transition in leadership.
On the topic of an extra bank holiday, Sir Keir remarked, “On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
Coach Thomas Tuchel expressed confidence after the victory, saying, “It fuels our belief that we are here to stay. We are in a stage of the tournament where every game is a must-win. From the quarter-finals onward, it’s anyone’s game. We will proceed step by step, game by game. Matches like this win only come with belief, and this will only strengthen ours.”