Starmer to Attend Final if England Beat Argentina
Sir Keir Starmer is expected to make his final trip as Prime Minister to the United States if England reach the World Cup final on Sunday. The government will also announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, granted only if the Three Lions win the tournament in North America this summer.
Thomas Tuchel's side are just 90 minutes away from becoming only the second senior England team to reach a men's World Cup final, following the famous 1966 victory on home soil. Standing in their way are holders Argentina, powered by Lionel Messi, who has scored eight goals at this year's tournament.
England's Route to the Semi-Finals
England have endured a testing route to the semi-finals. They comfortably finished top of Group L, came from behind to beat DR Congo in the last 32, battled to a thrilling 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico, and edged past Norway in extra time in the quarter-finals.
According to The Times, Starmer will attend the showpiece final in New York if England beat Argentina on Wednesday. His trip will occur just hours before he tenders his resignation to the King, after announcing last month he would step down as Labour leader.
Logistical Feasibility
The tight timeline is logistically feasible due to the time difference. The final kicks off at 3pm local time (8pm BST) and should conclude by 11pm UK time. Starmer will then head to Newark Liberty Airport for a seven-hour overnight flight back to London. Upon arrival, he will deliver his final address on the steps of Downing Street before visiting Buckingham Palace to recommend that Andy Burnham form the next government.
Conditional Bank Holiday Plans
If England beat Argentina, the government will reportedly announce plans for a conditional bank holiday on Friday, July 24, granted only in the event of a World Cup victory. Holding it on that date would give businesses time to prepare and likely coincide with the team's victory parade.
Starmer was asked earlier this month at the Nato summit if he would grant a bank holiday if England lift the trophy. He said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”
PM's Previous Interventions
The Prime Minister recently intervened to block attempts to change the kick-off time for England's World Cup game against Mexico, amid fears it would give the hosts an unfair advantage. He also stepped in to let pubs stay open until 5am so fans could watch the game.
England's semi-final against Argentina is their first competitive meeting since the 2002 World Cup. The team will now prepare for another huge test as they look forward to the clash with the South American champions.
