The UK refused demands to grant the country an extra bank holiday if England's Lionesses triumph in Euro 2022. They face Germany in Sunday's final and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has joined calls for the additional holiday if the team wins.
There has also growing clamour on social media for the UK government to give the green light for the celebration day-off if England achieve a memorable victory. However, officials have refused to agree to the special holiday.
The government said it would celebrate any England success, but that the cost of a bank holiday is "considerable". But the Labour leader responded by claiming people should be allowed to celebrate if England collected the trophy.
Sir Keir told the Mirror: "The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final on Sunday. They have already done us proud, but if they win it will be a truly historic achievement - one that should be marked with a proper day of celebration, where clubs can open and promote access for women and girls."
Former Tory sports minister Tracey Crouch and Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey also backed calls for the additional holiday. However, a government spokesperson said: "The Lionesses have done England proud with their fantastic run to the Euro 2022 final.
"The whole country will be roaring them on and hopefully watching a famous victory against Germany on Sunday evening. We will certainly be celebrating their success.
"However, the current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and while an additional bank holiday may benefit some communities and sectors, the cost to the economy of an additional bank holiday is considerable."
England qualified for the final with a 4-0 win over Sweden, the tournament's highest-ranked team, in the semi-final in Sheffield on Tuesday. The final between England and Germany kicks off at Wembley Stadium at 5pm on Sunday.
