Extra Bank Holiday If England Win Euro 2022 Backed By Labour Leader Keir Starmer

Labour leader Keir Starmer has backed calls for the Government to grant an extra bank holiday if England win Euro 2022.

Starmer has called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to give the public an extra day off if the Lionesses beat Germany in Sunday's final at Wembley.

England booked their place in the final with a 4-0 win over Sweden on Tuesday, which Starmer watched with his wife Victoria.

England beat Sweden to reach Sunday's final at Wembley (Image: Alamy)

"The whole country will be roaring on the Lionesses in the final on Sunday," he told The Mirror.

"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."

Last summer, there were calls for the Prime Minister to grant an extra bank holiday if England beat Italy in the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, which ended in a penalty shootout win for the Azzurri.

The idea of the extra was understood to have been discussed in Government at the time, with Johnson refusing to rule out the idea.

"I think that would be tempting fate - let's see," he said at the time.

Labour leader Keir Starmer has joined calls for an extra bank holiday to be granted if England win the tournament (Image: Alamy)

Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch is among those now calling for an extra bank holiday if England's women go one step further. 

She told The Mirror: "The Lionesses have already made the nation so proud, blazing a trail for women's football everywhere.

"If we win on Sunday, let's give everyone a chance to celebrate with a special bank holiday as we said we would for the men.

"It's coming home!"

Liberal Democrats leader Sir Ed Davey has also backed the calls.

The Lionesses will face Germany at Wembley (Image: Alamy)

He said: "If football comes home then the country must be allowed to celebrate it.

"Our Lionesses have already done England proud with their winning spirit and exciting playing style.

"I see no reason why the country can't come together and treasure an amazing sporting achievement."

England are now preparing to take on rivals Germany, who beat France 2-1 in their semi-final on Wednesday.

The Germans are looking to win the tournament for a record ninth time, while England will go in search of their first major international trophy.

Topics: England, Women's Football, Football

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan