Sir Keir Starmer has hinted that an England World Cup victory could lead to an additional bank holiday, as the team prepares for a quarter-final clash with Norway on Saturday.
PM Praises England's Performance
The Prime Minister described Monday's win over Mexico as "one of the best England performances I've ever seen." A victory against Norway would bring England closer to their first World Cup triumph in 60 years.
When asked about a potential bank holiday if England lifts the trophy, Starmer told journalists at Wednesday's NATO conference: "I don't want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final."
Potential Date for Bank Holiday
The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19. It is believed that the following Friday, July 24, has been identified as the most likely date for a celebratory bank holiday.
Light-Hearted Exchange with Norwegian PM
During the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer engaged in friendly banter with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store, noting that England only wins World Cups under a Labour government.
Starmer told reporters: "I'm a good friend of his. The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as it's ever been, and he's a key individual in the coalitions that we've been building. But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, we'll have to go our different ways as we go into that match."
Red Card Controversy
Starmer also revealed he resisted pressure to overturn Jarell Quansah's red card against Mexico, following Donald Trump's intervention with FIFA to have US player Folarin Balogun's suspension lifted before their match against Belgium.
He stated: "I can't tell you how many messages I've had to rescind the red card that we received in the early hours of Monday. I hasten to add, I haven't attempted to do that."
