The prime minister didn’t announce a date for any holiday, saying he didn’t want to jinx England’s progress in the competition, but it is expected to be on Friday 24 July.
The date would allow the team time to return from the final in the US, which is being played on 19 July in New Jersey.
“On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final,” Starmer said.
It is expected that Starmer will step down as prime minister the day after, to be replaced by Andy Burnham. However, if England make the final, it would be likely the prime minister would go to the game, which could briefly delay the change at the top.
Am extra bank holiday would prove beneficial for the hospitality sector, but there are still plenty of obstacles in the way before it would become a reality.
Thomas Tuchel’s team will play Norway in the quarter-finals on Saturday night and, if successful, will have to win two further top flight games.