Downing Street release statement on plans for Bank Holiday if England beat Spain in Euro 2025 final
Downing Street has issued a statement addressing plans for a bank holiday if England beat Spain in Sunday's Euro 2025 final.
After a dramatic late win against Italy, the Lionesses are through to the Euro 2025 final, where they will face Spain.
To defend their crown they will need to overcome the same side that pipped them to World Cup glory in 2023.
If they do win the final, there has been speculation that Prime Minister Keir Starmer will declare a national public holiday.
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Back in 2022, when England's women won the Euros, Starmer, who was the leader of the opposition at the time, called for a bank holiday.
Speaking to the Daily Mirror, he said: "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."
He made a similar call in 2023 ahead of the World Cup final, which the Lionesses lost.
But it does not appear that Starmer will follow through now that he is the Prime Minister, based on Downing Street's statement made before the semi-final victory.
Sir Keir's spokesman said: "I'm not aware of any plans for that.
"But when it comes to backing the Lionesses, we are obviously sending best wishes ahead of the semi-final.
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves, the semi-final is tonight and the PM sends his best wishes to Sarina, Leah Williamson and the whole team."
Will England win the Euros?
They are certainly the underdogs but England have shown a real resilience throughout the tournament in Switzerland.
In the quarter-finals, they came from two goals down against Sweden to take the game to penalties.
After a chaotic shootout, in which only five of the 14 penalties were scored, the Lionesses progressed to face Italy.
England again disappointed in the semi-final, trailing for most of the game until teenager Michelle Agyemang scored a late equaliser.
With just one minute left of extra-time, they were awarded a penalty following a foul on Beth Mead.
Chloe Kelly saw her penalty saved but she was first to react, drilling home the rebound to send England to another final.
The Lionesses will need to improve if they are to stand a chance against the reigning world champions.
But Sarina Wiegman can take confidence from her side's character and their ability to score late goals.
Topics: Sarina Wiegman, Football, England
James Taylor