England finally have the chance to win their first major trophy since 1966 and a campaign to declare a public holiday in the country is underway.
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England could win first major trophy since 1966Sir Geoff Hurst campaigns for holiday in case of winStarmer also believes day should be commemoratedGetty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
England legend and World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst is campaigning for the United Kingdom government to announce a celebratory holiday in the country if the Three Lions manage to win the Euros final against Spain on July 14. The 1966 World Cup winner said so while backing Budweiser's campaign to announce the bank holiday in honour of Gareth Southgate's men.
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Speaking with Budweiser, the former World Cup winner backed the #BudBankHoliday, and said: “From the very beginning I have believed in this talented team going all the way and feel privileged to have passed on the winning spirit of the 1966 team, by blessing the ‘Home’ cans.
"It’s a real honour to be a part of football history once more, by leading the campaign for a bank holiday so that everyone can make the most of the win, if and when it happens.
"Thanks to the dedication of the team and unwavering support from England’s fans, we’re very close to victory. It’s about time we have something to celebrate as a nation, and a bank holiday would make a win even more special for millions of supporters across the country.”
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
New UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also agreed that there needs to be some commemoration of the Three Lions' achievements if they win in Berlin. When asked about the fans' demands for a public holiday, he said: "We should certainly mark the occasion, I don’t want to jinx it. I went to the last Euros final, I don’t want to go through that again. I don’t want to jinx anything but we must mark it in some way. But the most important thing is getting it over the line on Sunday.”
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
Southgate's men will participate in their second straight European Championship final on Sunday, July 14 against Spain as they will look to end a 58-year trophy drought.