The campaign for a bank holiday if England win the Euros final stepped up on Thursday.
New Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is under pressure to call a national day off if Gareth Southgate’s squad beat Spain in Sunday’s match, ending the country’s 58-year wait for a major trophy.
Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey said: “The Three Lions are playing their first ever final on foreign soil, and if they bring it home, the government should bring home a bank holiday to celebrate.
"England deserves the chance to celebrate a once in a generation event.
"Who knows we might even get decent weather.”
Football fan Sir Keir has not yet confirmed whether he would call a bank holiday if England beat Spain on Sunday.
Asked about it on Thursday in Washington DC, the Prime Minister told broadcasters: “We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again.
“I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.”
Sir Keir, an Arsenal supporter who regularly plays five-a-side football, said England’s win on Wednesday night was “fantastic”.
He was seen watching Harry Kane score England’s equaliser in the match, in a room with his Dutch counterpart Dick Schoof.
The Prime Minister got out of his seat as the spot-kick was drilled home, then shook hands with Mr Schoof.
“I managed to pop out from one of my sessions for just five minutes which is when I saw Harry Kane get the first goal,” he told broadcasters.
“I missed the second one but it was brilliant.
“So on we go now, great chance. I’ve always said this team were going to go all the way so I’m really, really pleased and just good luck for Sunday.”
But he did share his stance on a day off ahead of the Lionesses’ World Cup final showdown with Spain in Australia last year.
“It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup,” he said.
“I’m never complacent about anything…but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”
It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup.
— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 16, 2023
I’m never complacent about anything…but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home. https://t.co/gCTEQS18IQ
Preparations are at an advanced stage for the squad to be honoured by the King and the royal family if they claim the trophy for the first time.
A massive open-top bus parade would take them from Guildhall, in the City of London, to the palace via Trafalgar Square on Tuesday, it is understood.
Up to a million fans would be expected to line the streets if England land their first trophy since 1966.
