​The government is weighing the possibility of declaring an extra bank holiday if England triumphs in the World Cup, with the final scheduled for next Sunday. It is understood that Friday, July 24, has been set aside as a potential celebratory bank holiday if England secure the title, marking 60 years since their first and only victory in the competition.
England moved closer to the final after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over Norway on Saturday night, with Jude Bellingham delivering another brilliant performance to seal the win with a brace. The prime minister was cautious about confirming a bank holiday when pressed about the prospect at the NATO summit in Ankara earlier in the week, but he indicated that the idea was being considered.
Sir Keir Starmer told reporters on Wednesday, “I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.” The remarks came a week after Andy Burnham, who is tipped to succeed Sir Keir as prime minister, described speculation about a World Cup bank holiday as “a bit premature.” Following England’s tense victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on July 1, Burnham told Andrew Marr on LBC that there is “a hope,” acknowledging the moment would be fantastic but warning against premature speculation. He added that he is an Evertonian and that he does not back England in football matters.
Kemi Badenoch indicated on Monday that she would probably not back a bank holiday if England wins, arguing that although the public sector would take the day off, it would still be necessary for the private sector to continue operating, which would place the cost on taxpayers. “Sadly, we all know what would happen with a bank holiday – the private sector would still be working and the public sector would take the day off, and you’d all have to pay for it,” she told a PoliticsUK event.
England’s players personify the festive mood as fans sing and celebrate the victory, even as the squad awaits the next match. England must defeat Argentina on Wednesday, shown from 8 p.m. BST, to reach the final and face the winner of Spain versus France in the final on July 19. France remains the slight favorite to win over Spain in Tuesday night’s clash.
This isn’t the first time calls for a bank holiday have accompanied a major English football victory. After the Lionesses claimed the Euros last year, fans urged for a holiday, but the team instead enjoyed an open-top bus parade through central London and a visit to Downing Street.
The Three Lions secured a narrow path to the final with a dramatic win over Norway. Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring for Norway in the 36th minute, but Jude Bellingham equalized just before half-time, at 45+2 minutes, with an assist from Anthony Gordon. A second Norwegian goal was disallowed after a VAR review at 57 minutes, and nine extra minutes were not enough to change the outcome.