Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has urged football fans in Wales and Scotland to put rivalries aside and support England in their World Cup semi-final against Argentina. The outgoing Prime Minister made the appeal as Thomas Tuchel's side prepare to face the South Americans in Atlanta on Wednesday evening, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.
England are the only home nation left in the tournament after Wales failed to qualify and Scotland exited in the group stage. Asked whether he wanted supporters from the other home nations to back England, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister is hoping everyone should get behind the England team as we face Argentina tomorrow. He's very much looking forward to the game. The Prime Minister would very much encourage unity and very much urge everybody to support England and Thomas Tuchel tomorrow."
Divisive Issue Among Welsh Fans
The comments are likely to split opinion among Welsh supporters, where backing England has long been a divisive issue during major international tournaments. Many Wales fans traditionally cheer on England's opponents, with the fierce rivalry between the two nations remaining one of football's most enduring subplots whenever the Three Lions compete on the biggest stage.
Starmer's intervention comes with England just one victory away from reaching a second World Cup final in their history. His comments also carry added significance for people in Wales, with the country likely to receive an extra bank holiday if England go on to lift the World Cup.
Potential Bank Holiday for England and Wales
The Prime Minister has previously hinted he could declare a national bank holiday in the event of England ending their 60-year wait for a second World Cup triumph. Speaking after England's last-16 victory over Mexico, Starmer was asked about the prospect of an extra day off and replied: "I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."
Because bank holidays are a reserved matter, Westminster decides them for England and Wales together. While no official announcement has been made, it would be unprecedented for England to receive an additional bank holiday without Wales also being included. If England beat Argentina on Wednesday and go on to overcome either France or Spain in Sunday's final, the Friday after the tournament, July 24, has been widely tipped as the most likely date for an extra bank holiday.
Debate Over St David's Day Holiday
The issue has sparked debate in Wales, where repeated calls for St David's Day to become a permanent bank holiday have previously been rejected by the UK Government, which has argued that introducing an additional public holiday would have a significant economic impact.
