Tens of thousands of people have joined calls for a Bank Holiday on Monday if England win Euro 2020 at the weekend.
There were jubilant scenes across the country last night as Gareth Southgate and his Three Lions team secured their place in a first major final in 55 years.
Now a petition calling for an extra bank holiday — in the event of an England triumph — has hit 100,000 signatures.
Boris Johnson today hinted that the idea has crossed his mind, but Whitehall insiders poured water on the idea, saying it wouldn't be fair on employers to declare a Bank Holiday at 10pm the night before.
England will face Italy at Wembley Stadium as the nation watches on, hopeful that the team can lift the European Championship trophy for the first time ever.
A statement on the petition homepage read: "England may be playing a European Championship Final at 8pm on Sunday 11th July.
"It would be beneficial and sensible to give the country the day off the next day if England win, in the form of an extra Bank Holiday Monday."
Mr Johnson today refused to rule out allowing a special bank holiday if England win the Euro 2020 final.
The Prime Minister was asked if people would be given a day off in the event of a historic triumph over Italy this Sunday.
He replied only: “I think that would be tempting fate - let’s see what happens.”
The Mirror understands the idea of either a bank holiday or a general day of celebration if England win the final has been discussed in government.
But sources stressed it was only at the very early stages and no decisions have been made.
The Politico website had suggested some in Whitehall wanted a bank holiday this coming Monday if England win the final on Sunday night.
But one Whitehall source told the Mirror: “Logistically I don’t know how that’s possible.
“You’d only be able to announce that at 10pm if they win, which seems a little bit unreasonable for employers.”
A section on the Parliament website explains: "By convention the Queen acts on the advice of ministers. The Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is the government department responsible for bank holidays."
Three years ago, in the midst of England's charge to the World Cup semi-finals in Russia, a similar rallying call was launched, before Southgate's men suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Croatia.
Harry Kane was the hero against Denmark last night — firing home at the second attempt after his extra-time penalty was initially saved by Kasper Schmeichel. That came after an own goal from Simon Kjaer restored parity, following Mikkel Damsgaard's swerving free-kick.
