Starmer hints at bank holiday if England win World Cup

The UK prime minister has strongly hinted at an additional bank holiday should England's football team win the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel's side will face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday evening. The final is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July. It is widely anticipated that Sir Keir Starmer will step down as prime minister the day after, on 20 July, and be replaced by Andy Burnham. Should England reach the final, the prime minister is likely to attend the match, which could briefly delay the handover of power. Regarding the prospect of an extra day off for people in England if the team wins the World Cup, Sir Keir said: "On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final." It is understood the extra bank holiday would fall on the Friday following England's victory – 24 July. However, there remains the not insignificant matter of England first winning the quarter-final, semi-final, and final.