Sir Keir Starmer has fuelled bank-holiday fever by teasing a day off if England win the 2026 World Cup, joking at the G7 in Evian that the Three Lions “only” triumph under Labour.
Starmer’s Comments at G7 Summit
While at the G7 Summit in Evian, France, on Wednesday (June 17), Starmer suggested the day off, referencing his history of supporting sports-related holidays. He reportedly said the Three Lions only bring it home when Labour’s in charge as he looked ahead to England v Croatia tonight.
Moreover, the PM praised Thomas Tuchel’s squad as “great” and said he couldn’t wait to see who gets the nod in the starting XI for the 9pm UK-time kick-off in Dallas.
Bank Holiday Question
He was subsequently asked whether England would get a Bank Holiday if they win the World Cup. Starmer replied: “I’m not gonna jinx the World Cup. But, you know, the last time we won the World Cup it was a Labour government. And so it’s absolutely clear that we only win World Cups under a Labour government.” According to the Sun, the PM said: “So let’s hope that this is the next opportunity. He’s got a great squad.
“This is going to be a good game tonight, probably the hardest in the group games this evening. So we’re looking forward to seeing the starting lineup what it’s going to be.”
“And don’t take it that the lineups in the friendlies are going to be the starting lineup for tonight.” Sir Keir said: “Tonight, we can dare to dream again because we have a brilliant three lions squad, packed with all the talent and experience to get that second star on the shirt.
“Like every England fan, I’ll be roaring on Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane and the entire England squad. Come on England.”
England’s World Cup Opener
Thomas Tuchel makes his major tournament bow as England boss tonight as the Three Lions finally get their World Cup campaign under way against Croatia in a blockbuster Group L opener. Furthermore, Tuchel, who is German, could make football history tonight if England win the tournament, as no country has ever won a Men's World Cup with a foreign manager.
Kick-off is 9pm BST (3pm local time) at the 80,000-capacity AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, live on ITV1 (coverage from 8pm) and streaming free on ITVX, with radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds. While it is set to feel like 42°C outside at kick-off, the match itself will be played under the stadium’s climate-controlled roof.
Additionally, the game comes with a major edge too, landing exactly eight years on from Croatia breaking English hearts in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
