As England prepare to face Spain in the final of Euro 2024, pressure is growing on newly elected Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to grant the nation a Bank Holiday if they go all the way and win the tournament in Germany.
England booked their place in Sunday's final with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday evening.
A dramatic winner from substitute Ollie Watkins in the final minute of normal time sealed a famous win for Gareth Southgate's side, who will now face Spain in Berlin in the final match of the tournament.
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There are growing calls for Labour leader Starmer, who was only elected as the UK's new Prime Minister last week, to approve a Bank Holiday if England are crowned European champions for the very first time.
Arsenal fan Starmer took to social media after England's win over the Dutch to express his support for the Three Lions.
"What a game @England and what a winner. Berlin here we come!," he posted on X.
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There is more cause for optimism among England supporters, with Starmer previously providing several hints that he could be willing to sanction a Bank Holiday if they win the tournament.
Commenting last year when the Lionesses reached the final of the Women's World Cup - which they eventually lost to Spain - Starmer called on then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to grant the nation an extra day off work.
"It's almost 60 years since England won the World Cup. I'm never complacent about anything…but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home," tweeted Starmer.
Meanwhile, in 2021 after England reached the final of the 2020 Euros, Starmer called for a similar celebration.
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"The whole country is incredibly proud of what Gareth Southgate and our England heroes have achieved already," he told The Mirror.
"History has been made. If we win on Sunday, the country should get the chance to celebrate it properly with an extra bank holiday, granted in the name of the England team."
Earlier this week, US president Joe Biden has joked that Starmer is responsible for England's Euros success after meeting with the British leader.
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As he sat with Biden in the White House on Wednesday, Starmer was asked if football is coming home, to which he replied: "It looks like it."
Biden was then asked by reporters if he watched the football, saying "I heard", before adding: "Good news indeed. It's all because of the Prime Minister."
Reports claim England manager Southgate could be awarded a knighthood even if the Three Lions fail to beat Spain on Sunday.
But he has his sights set firmly on a first major trophy for England since their famous World Cup win in 1966.
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"I took the job to try to improve English football and we're now in a second final," said Southgate.
"The last one was the first in over 50 years. We're now in a first one oversees.
"We're giving people amazing nights. We've given our supporters some of the best nights in the last 50 years. I'm hugely proud of that.
"I'm delighted if everyone at home is feeling the way we are and the way those in the stadium were. But we're not finished.
"We've got the greatest possible test to prepare for. We came here to try to win the tournament and that's still our aim."
Topics: England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Spain, Football
Rory O'Callaghan