England fans could be handed an extra bank holiday if the national team go all the way and win the World Cup this summer.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has strongly hinted the government would grant workers a day off to mark such a historic achievement.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday night as they continue their World Cup campaign.
The final is scheduled to take place on 19 July, giving the nation just over a week to dream of what could be possible.
When pressed on the prospect of a bank holiday, Sir Keir 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.”
The carefully chosen words amount to the clearest signal yet that an extra day off would follow any potential England triumph on the world stage.
It is understood the extra bank holiday would fall on the Friday after a potential England victory, meaning 24 July would become the date to circle.
The political backdrop adds a further layer of intrigue, with Sir Keir widely expected to stand down as prime minister on 20 July, the day after the final.
Andy Burnham is set to replace him as prime minister, though an England appearance in the final could briefly delay that handover of power.
Should England reach the showpiece occasion, it is considered likely that the outgoing prime minister would attend the game before stepping aside.
Of course, before any talk of bank holidays or farewell appearances can truly gather momentum, England must first navigate three more matches.
Tuchel’s side face the considerable challenge of defeating Norway, before a potential semi-final and final still stand between them and glory.
The nation has waited a long time for World Cup success, and the prospect of a Friday off work may be just the extra motivation fans need to get firmly behind the team.
