Sir Keir Calls For Extra Bank Holiday.

England is a breath away from winning the World Cup 2023. If so, it will be the first time an English team has won since 1966. This team are also the European Champions. So if they win this tournament, they will have two massive wins under their belts.

No doubt, about it, women's football has come of age. And the England team has been leading the charge. Although, in the last few years, it was the American team who were World Cup Champions. But the Americans were knocked out this time around. As were the Germans and Italians.

England entered a tense arena as they faced Australia. English fans were always going to be outnumbered as the event was coming from down under. Nevertheless, England fans cheered on the Lionesses. The game ended with a 3-1 victory for the England girls. The nation has taken these young women to their heart.

England now face Spain in the final game to decide who lifts the World Cup Trophy. Their Dutch Coach, Serena Weigman, has a steely determination about her. She reminds one of Jurgen Klopp, the German Coach who steered and steers Liverpool to many victories. Asked about the fact of England being in the World Cup Final Ms. Weigman said "It was like a fairytale".

King Charles sent his 'Best wishes" to the girls as did Prime Minister Rishi Sunak saying it was "Phenomenal". It would appear so far, at least, there will be no extra Bank Holiday should our girls win. Traditionally speaking, there has never been a bank holiday for a sporting win from any British team. Be it England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.

And it looks like the government will be sticking to tradition. The government said even if there is no extra bank holiday they will find ways to celebrate an England victory. What that will mean in practice, remains, to be seen.

Sir Keir Starmer has called for an extra bank holiday though. To show the nation's appreciation of a potential England win. The British/English people and especially those who are backing the Lionesses would appreciate an extra day off. Another day off just to let their hair down and celebrate as the girls, hopefully, bring the Cup Home. If the government does not break with tradition and allow a bank holiday it will add to their unpopularity. Once again the government will be accused of not being in touch with the pulse of the English nation.

If this is so and the England Ladies bring it on home, then Sir Keir, could make political gain. Pointing out that the government are ignoring the fact that the English nation wishes to make merry for the England team.

Let's not get too ahead of ourselves though. England have yet to face Spain. Spain have to be a good team to have got to the finals. So, let's see what happens on the day England face Spain. Let us hope it does not come down to penalty shootouts. That is where England, at least the men, have been beaten.

Let us remain optimistic. An England victory would give the nation a time to celebrate. And by God, the year, many of us have had, we need a reason to do that. Even if you are not a footie fan, an extra day off, would be welcomed. A day we could all take to rest, celebrate, spend time with loved ones, get drunk, eat as much as you like, just one day out of the hum drum.

Any way whatever the result of the game, let us hope, the result is a positive one for our Brave Girls. And then, football, would be truly "coming home".