A Glimmer of Hope or Another Disappointment? British PM Hints at Bank Holiday

Starmer addressed the possibility of an additional bank holiday during the North Atlantic Alliance summit in Ankara, Turkey. “I don’t want to jinx it, but if we make it to the final, ask me again,” Starmer was quoted by the BBC.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre was also at the summit, where he exchanged witty remarks with the British Prime Minister. England’s next opponent in the quarter-finals will be the Scandinavian nation. “We are good friends. Relations between our countries are stronger than ever, and he is a key figure in the relationships we have built,” Starmer stated, adding that on Saturday, during the match, both would have to go their separate ways.

A potential triumph would bring England closer to their coveted title, last won on home soil in 1966. However, two more hurdles would still stand in their way.

Starmer also revealed he resisted calls to attempt to overturn Jarell Quansah’s red card from the Round of 16 match against Mexico. US President Donald Trump had controversially intervened in the tournament in a similar fashion, and partly due to his influence, FIFA suspended the ban for American Folarin Balogun. “I can’t even count how many messages I received with that request. But I must add that I didn’t even try,” Starmer said.