Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of granting a national bank holiday if England emerges victorious in the World Cup, although he expressed reluctance to “jinx” the team’s chances. The Prime Minister, an avid football enthusiast, voiced optimism regarding the Three Lions’ upcoming match against Croatia, labeling it as a challenging game in the group stage.
Reflecting on past successes, the PM humorously noted that the nation had previously won the World Cup under a Labour government. In a similar vein, in 2022, he supported calls for an additional bank holiday if the Lionesses secured victory in the Euros final, urging then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson to consider the significance of celebrating such achievements.
Looking ahead to England’s pivotal clash with Croatia at the AT&T Stadium in Texas, the PM expressed excitement and encouragement for the team, emphasizing the talent and potential within the squad. Coach Thomas Tuchel also emphasized the importance of playing boldly and to the strengths of the players as England embarks on their World Cup journey, facing a formidable opponent in Croatia.
Meanwhile, the Scottish Government sanctioned a Bank Holiday following Scotland’s recent World Cup fixture, demonstrating the widespread enthusiasm and support for the tournament across the UK. As anticipation builds for upcoming matches, fans and officials alike are gearing up to witness the drama and excitement that international football tournaments bring.
