Keir Starmer has hinted that an England World Cup triumph could be marked with an extra bank holiday as excitement continues to build ahead of Saturdays quarter-final against Norway. The Prime Minister was full of praise for Englands dramatic last-16 win over Mexico and suggested supporters may have even more to celebrate if Thomas Tuchels side can go all the way in North America.Table of ContentsPM praises Englands Mexico comebackFriendly rivalry ahead of Norway showdownPM praises Englands Mexico comebackEngland booked their place in the quarter-finals with a memorable win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday.Speaking at the Nato summit in Ankara, Starmer described the performance as one of the finest he had seen from the national team.It was one of the best England performances Ive ever seen, he said.Asked whether he would support a national bank holiday should England lift the trophy on July 19, the Prime Minister stopped short of making any promises but did little to dampen speculation.I dont want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final, he said.With the World Cup final scheduled for a Sunday, it is understood that the following Friday is viewed as the most likely date for any potential celebratory bank holiday.Starmer also revealed he had resisted calls to follow the example of United States President Donald Trump, who successfully pushed for FIFA to review Folarin Baloguns suspension earlier in the tournament.I cant tell you how many messages Ive had to rescind the red card that we received in the early hours of Monday, he said.I hasten to add, I havent attempted to do that.Friendly rivalry ahead of Norway showdownEngland face Norway in Miami on Saturday with a place in the semi-finals at stake and Sir Keir admitted his relationship with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store will briefly be put on hold.The pair met during the Nato summit, where the Prime Minister jokingly reminded his counterpart of Englands World Cup history under Labour governments.Im a good friend of his, Sir Keir said.The Norway-UK relationship is as strong as its ever been and hes a key individual in the coalitions that weve been building.But for 90 minutes on Saturday evening, well have to go our different ways as we go into that match. Topics England National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read World Cup 2026: Quarter-final predictions with Mbappe, Messi, Yamal and Haaland hoping to fire their teams to the last four Jon Fisher 9th July, 2026 England: No cap on what inspiring Bellingham can achieve, says Rogers Cian Cheesbrough 8th July, 2026 World Cup final half-time show: Justin Bieber to play as performers lineup confirmed by FIFA Cian Cheesbrough 8th July, 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race: With Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane all firing, who will finish as top scorer? Cian Cheesbrough 8th July, 2026 England trio miss training ahead of World Cup quarter-final Mitch Fretton 8th July, 2026 Henderson undergoes surgery on arm after England celebration injury Mitch Fretton 8th July, 2026
