Sir Keir Starmer drops major hint of England World Cup bank holiday with date revealed

Sir Keir Starmer has dropped his biggest hint yet that a UK bank holiday could be in store if England win the World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel's side got past co-hosts Mexico in a gruelling 3-2 victory at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday night and will now face Erling Haaland and Norway after they knocked out five-time winners Brazil in New Jersey.

The Three Lions still have plenty left to do in order to bring football home and add a second star to their shirts but belief is growing amongst the nation.

Starmer has been reluctant to meet demands for a bank holiday in relation to the recent achievements from the England national teams - even with the Lionesses winning back-to-back Women's Euros.

He also did resisted calls for a bank holiday to allow fans to watch the 1am Mexico clash - but did extend pub opening hours to 5am.

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However, the outgoing Prime Minister may well be changing his tune as he issued an update on the possibility of a bank holiday if England end 60 years of hurt with a World Cup win.

Speaking to reporters at the Nato summit, Starmer 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."

Starmer said the gutsy win in Mexico City was "one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen" as he confirmed he had not mirrored Donald Trump's move and asked for Jarell Quansah’s red card to be overturned.

In June, UK neighbours Scotland were granted a bank holiday to allow fans to watch their historic World Cup opening fixture against Haiti, with King Charles giving the sign off after the idea was put forward by First Minister John Swinney.

It was Scotland's first World Cup appearance for 28 years and the achievement was celebrated with a day off following the 2am kick-off.

When will a UK bank holiday happen if England win the World Cup?

The World Cup final takes place on Sunday 19 July at the MetLife Stadium and the Prime Minister is expected to be in attendance if England get there - as Starmer was for the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

Starmer, a staunch Arsenal fan, is poised to be replaced in the role by former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, with the BBC stating that his departure is expected to take place a day on from the final.

But the mandatory handover could be delayed if England reach the final. And so too could the bank holiday in question, to factor in the team returning from the United States and likely being met by a hero's welcome and victory parade should the result goes the right way.

It is being widely reported that Friday 24 July could be the day for the additional bank holiday.

If England get past Norway, they will take on the winner of Argentina or Switzerland in the semi-final in Atlanta on July 15.

France, Morocco, Spain and Belgium are the potential opponents in the final, with the action resuming on Thursday after a one-day break.