Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that an England World Cup victory could lead to an additional bank holiday, as the team gears up for a quarter-final match against Norway. Speaking at the Nato conference in Ankara, the Prime Minister praised Monday's win over Mexico as "one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen."
Bank Holiday Prospects
When asked if he would support a bank holiday should England win the tournament, Sir Keir told reporters: "I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." If the team reaches the final on Sunday, July 19, the following Friday is considered the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday. However, if England does not win, the next bank holiday in England and Wales falls on Monday, August 31. The Christmas bank holiday on Friday, December 25, and the substitute for Boxing Day on Monday, December 28, round out the year's bank holidays.
Prime Minister's Banter with Norwegian Counterpart
At the Nato summit, Sir Keir exchanged light-hearted remarks with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, reminding him that England only wins the World Cup under a Labour government. He said: "I’m a good friend of his. The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as it’s ever been... But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we’ll have to go our different ways."
Red Card Controversy
Sir Keir also addressed calls to overturn Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico, following Donald Trump's intervention to suspend US player Folarin Balogun’s suspension. He stated: "I can’t tell you how many messages I’ve had to rescind the red card... I hasten to add, I haven’t attempted to do that."
Fan Reactions
Thousands of England fans are expected in Miami for the quarter-final. Ben Shaw, 33, from Preston, described the Mexico match as "the best footballing experience of my life," adding, "If I paid 300 dollars for Mexico, that’s a bargain." George Crotty, 31, from Manchester, called the game "incredible" and "something to remember forever." Tobi Garrett, 22, from Essex, expressed optimism: "It feels different this year... under Southgate we don’t do what we did against Mexico."
