Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is reportedly considering granting a bank holiday in England if the men's football team win the World Cup, marking a first triumph in 60 years. The move matters because it would be a rare exception to the government's usual reluctance to approve extra public holidays, which are estimated to cost around £2.4 billion in lost economic activity.

Government sources said the football-loving Prime Minister is "minded to" recommend a day off if Harry Kane and his teammates lift the trophy. Speaking at a Nato summit in Ankara, Starmer declined to commit but said he did not want to "jinx it" and invited reporters to ask again if England reach the final. Ministers have previously rejected similar calls, including after the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022 and following this week's late-finishing Round of 16 win over Mexico, though Scotland has already had an extra bank holiday despite an early exit.