Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to reward the nation with a Bank Holiday should the Lionesses win Sunday’s Euro 2025 final against Spain.
Sarina Wiegman’s side defend the title they won three years ago at Wembley after a memorable win over Germany against an all-conquering Spanish side.
The Lionesses will be significant underdogs against the reigning world champions but the comeback queens are no strangers to overcoming significant odds.
After losing their opening group stage against France, England roared back with wins over Netherlands and Wales, before being taken to the brink by Sweden and Italy in the knockout rounds.
Should England gain revenge for the painful World Cup final defeat they suffered against Spain two years ago, Starmer will have a difficult decision to make.
What has Keir Starmer said about a Bank Holiday?
The Prime Minister was in opposition back in 2023 when England were last in a showpiece final and made his feelings known on the eve of the Lionesses clash with Spain.
‘It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup,’ he wrote on X.
‘I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.’
After the men’s side reached the Euros final last summer, meanwhile he said: ‘We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it.’
With Sunday’s showdown zooming into view, Starmer is now facing calls tostick to his beliefs and hand millions a day off if the Lionesses win.
Liberal Democrat culture, media and sport spokesman Max Wilkinson is leading the pressure, saying: ‘The Lionesses can make history on Sunday and retain the Euros title they won so memorably three years ago.
‘If they do that, the Prime Minister should give us a Public Holiday to honour their achievement.
‘Retaining the title would be one of our country’s greatest sporting achievements.
‘Fans and patriots across the country deserve the chance to celebrate the talent, success and historic achievement of this amazing team.
‘A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.
‘The Prime Minister is a football fan – we’ve all seen the pictures of him enjoying a kick around with his mates.
‘If Wiegman’s heroes deliver glory, we’ll all be hoping he’ll put the ball into an empty net by giving the Lionesses and the rest of us a chance to mark the occasion.
‘A Bank Holiday would also give our hospitality industry a much-needed assist and boost.’