England eye World Cup semis
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has hinted that the UK government could declare an additional bank holiday if England win the FIFA World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel’s side preparing to face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday.England, currently ranked 4th in the FIFA Men’s World Rankings, will face Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday. A victory would send Thomas Tuchel’s side into the semi-finals, where they are expected to meet Argentina, the reigning world champions, depending on the other quarter-final result.The World Cup final is scheduled to be played on July 19 in New Jersey, USA.Speaking about the possibility of a national holiday, Starmer avoided making a formal commitment but suggested the idea was under consideration.”On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final,” he said.According to media reports, if England clinch their first World Cup title since 1966, the government is likely to announce an additional bank holiday on Friday, July 24.The proposed date would allow the squad time to return from the United States and for the Football Association to organise a victory parade in London. The announcement, however, would depend on England overcoming three major hurdles, beating Norway in the quarter-finals, winning a potential semi-final against Argentina, and then triumphing in the final.Starmer may travel to the United States if England reach the final. Political developments in the UK could mean that any post-tournament celebrations atDowning Street are overseen by a new prime minister if a leadership transition takes place after the tournament.Starmer also said he had declined requests to intervene with FIFA over defender Jarell Quansah’s red card against Mexico. He added that the UK government had earlier opposed a proposed change to the kickoff time of England’s Round of 16 clash with Mexico, saying it could have favoured the hosts. The match was eventually played as originally scheduled, with England winning 3-2.
