Everyone in England loves a bank holiday. An extra day to relax, nurse a hangover, or spend the day with the family. There have been five bank holidays so far this year, but could there be another added to the list?
Following England’s success during the Euro 2020 tournament, Boris Johnson has left the door ajar on whether there will be a bank holiday on Monday after Sunday’s final.
It is the first time in 55 years since England have reached the final of a major international tournament and could be rewarded with an extra day off should they emerge victorious.
But is too little too late for one to actually go ahead?
A bank holiday would have to be suggested to the Queen by Boris Johnson, and she could then declare one with a Royal Proclamation.
Extra bank holidays can be created – there will be an additional day off next year to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
But it currently looks unlikely that the nation will be granted a day off, but that has not stopped the people of England just yet.
A petition has been created on the government’s website and has amassed more than 350,000 signatures to make Monday a bank holiday.
Before the Three Lions’ semi-final victory over Denmark on Wednesday evening, the government confirmed that licensing laws would be relaxed to allow pubs to stay open until 11:15pm in case the game went to extra-time and penalties.
The change in pub opening times was a fortunate one for England fans as the game went into extra-time, but penalties were not required after England captain Harry Kane initially missed from 12 yards but converted the rebound, sending Wembley, and the entire nation, into delirium.
Alongside speculation of adding to the eight bank holidays already in England, is the possibility of knighthoods for manager Gareth Southgate and some of the England players.
The 50-year-old has reached two semi-finals and one final during his five years in charge of the national team, and his achievements could be rewarded with having ‘Sir’ in front of his name.
Alongside the England manager, both Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling MBE titles could be upgraded should they win the European Championship.
Manchester City winger Sterling has arguably been England’s, and the tournament's best player so far. He received his MBE honour just before the tournament started after fronting anti-racism and discrimination campaigns and speaking out strongly against racism on and off the pitch for several years.
But with talk of extra bank holidays and knighthoods for England’s heroes, all 22 players, the manager, the backroom staff, and the entire nation have only one thought in their mind.
Sunday, Wembley, 8pm, a chance to create history.
55 years of hurt, the Frank Lampard disallowed goal, the hand of God, Wayne Rooney’s sending off and many more. And after the year this country has had, football coming home is exactly what we need.
