With England preparing to take on Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday, some have been wondering if there will be a bank holiday added to the calendar if the Lionesses win the tournament.

While the government has said an extra bank holiday is not in its plans should the team win, there are some public figures who believe a bank holiday is the way to go.

Among those calling for an extra bank holiday are Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey.

Even England boss Sarina Wiegman is up for an extra bank holiday to celebrate the work of her team.

Calls for extra bank holiday if England win World Cup

Sir Keir, writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “It’s almost 60 years since England won the World Cup.

“I’m never complacent about anything… but there should be a celebratory bank holiday if the Lionesses bring it home.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey added: “The Lionesses have made history by reaching the final, they are an inspiration to athletes across the country already.

“Winning the World Cup would be a phenomenal achievement. It absolutely deserves to celebrated with a bank holiday.”

As England boss Sarina Wiegman previously celebrated a win for the Lionesses, she said: "Yes, I can see all the English here want it! I’m focusing on football and the game tomorrow, let’s do everything to win the game tomorrow."

Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha, when told the government wasn't keen on the bank holiday idea, replied on Channel 4 news: “Well I think if the men’s team won the World Cup, I’d definitely think they wouldn’t think twice, right?

“So it deserves some kind of marking, it deserves some kind of national holiday definitely or something.”

Ms Chadha praised the players who have “absolutely driven” the Lionesses, adding: “Spain is a great team, but I do believe it’s theirs (England) – this is their World Cup, our World Cup.”

TUC general secretary, Paul Nowak, said: “We all hope our amazing Lionesses can get over the line on Sunday.

“And if they do bring it home, the Government should do the right thing and allow the country to celebrate with a special bank holiday.

“It would be mean-spirited not to do so.”

Cambs Times: Sarina Wiegman's England side will be looking to get a win over Spain in the final, bank holiday or notSarina Wiegman's England side will be looking to get a win over Spain in the final, bank holiday or not (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA)

Will an extra bank holiday be scheduled if England win the World Cup?

The government isn't so keen on adding an extra bank holiday to celebrate the Lionesses if they win the World Cup but a spokesperson says the government will “find the right way to celebrate.”

A government spokesperson said: “Winning the World Cup would be a massive moment for the country and make no mistake we’ll find the right way to celebrate.

“As Sarina Wiegman herself has said, the first thing to do is focus on the final and the whole country will be rooting for the Lionesses this weekend.”

The remarks followed an earlier statement to the BBC which also said: “The current pattern of public and bank holidays is well established and there are no plans to change this.”

A petition has been set up on the Parliament website asking for a bank holiday.

It states: “I’d like the Government to declare a bank holiday for all workers in the United Kingdom. Then we can celebrate in the achievements of England’s football team.”

A 2010 House of Commons library report said the then government estimated an additional bank holiday would cost the economy £2.9 billion.

Last month, official figures were released which showed the UK economy contracted in May after businesses across the country took the day off to celebrate the King’s Coronation with an extra bank holiday.

Gross domestic product (GDP) declined by 0.1% for the month after increasing by 0.2% in April, the Office for National Statistics said.

The contraction was driven by the extra bank holiday weekend for the royal occasion meaning sectors like construction and finance lost a working day in the month.