Talk of an extra bank holiday is gaining momentum as England closes in on World Cup glory.
Outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has hinted at the possibility of a national day off if the Three Lions win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England is set to face Lionel Messi's Argentina in the semi-finals at 8pm on Wednesday (July 15), with the winner to play Spain in the final on Sunday, July 19.
What Sir Keir Starmer has said about an extra bank holiday
Speaking ahead of England's quarter-final against Norway, Sir Keir hinted at an extra Bank Holiday if Thomas Tuchel's side can win its first World Cup in 60 years.
He said: "I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."
With the final taking place on Sunday (July 19), it is thought the following Friday (July 24) is the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday.
Do you think there should be an extra Bank Holiday in the UK if England wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
How many times has England been in a World Cup final?
England has reached the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on three previous occasions before 2026.
They made it to the last four in 1966, beating Portugal 2-1, before going on to win the tournament.
In 1990, England lost to West Germany on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Their 2018 campaign ended in a 2-1 extra-time defeat to Croatia.
The Three Lions have reached the final just once before, in 1966.
Who did England beat in the 1966 World Cup final?
England’s only World Cup victory came in the 1966 final against West Germany.
The match, held at Wembley Stadium, ended 4-2 after extra time.
Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick to secure England's historic win.
Do you think there should be an extra bank holiday if England wins the World Cup? Let us know in the poll above or in the comments below.
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