London (Parliament News) – PM Keir Starmer has stated he desires to “mark the occasion” if England succeeds in the Euros football tournament after the team defeated the Netherlands to secure a place in Sunday’s final.
How Will PM Starmer Celebrate England’s Potential Euros Victory?
The prime minister stopped short of affirming there would be a bank holiday if Gareth Southgate’s team appeared victorious from their match against Spain, stating that he did not desire to “jinx” the outcome. PM Starmer previously backed calls for a bank holiday when England’s women’s football team made it to the World Cup final last year.
The prime minister, expressing at the NATO summit in Washington, stated: “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 Celebrations Are Planned if England Wins the Euros?
If England beat Spain, plans are being pushed for a celebration in London on Tuesday, in which the squad would tour by open-top bus from Guildhall in the City to Buckingham Palace, where there would be a reception, the Guardian understands. The players would encounter Starmer the day before. Downing Street has already authorized the prime minister will attend the final in Berlin on Sunday, along with the latest culture secretary, Lisa Nandy.
PM Starmer stated that he always knew the crew were going to go “all the way” in the tournament, as he announced that he stepped out of discussions at the NATO summit to observe part of the match with the Dutch PM, Dick Schoof. “It was fantastic. I managed to pop out from one of my sessions for just five minutes, which is when I saw Harry Kane get the first goal. I skipped the second one but it was brilliant,” he stated.
“So on we go now, great opportunity. I’ve always said this team were going to go all the way so I’m pleased and just good luck for Sunday.” Starmer stated it looked like football was coming home when questioned about the result just minutes after the last whistle during an Oval Office session with the US president, Joe Biden.
How Will Starmer Mark England’s Euros Success?
On the flight to Washington, Starmer had quipped that officials would pass him letters during the summit with updates on England’s semi-final match. The PM told reporters touring with his delegation that his advice to Southgate, the England manager, was simple: “Win!” He said: “I’ve sent a note to the team, obviously I wish them well, I want them to succeed, and let’s hope they can do it hereafter.”
Starmer enticed fate when he quipped about the team’s chances if the match headed to penalties, as it did against Switzerland in the quarter-finals. “I’d remind you, the UK has not missed a penalty under a Labour government in 2024,” he stated.
Moreover, he joked about the recent drama persisted by England fans, including a last-gasp equaliser in the second round against Slovakia and a forfeiture triumph against Switzerland in the quarter-final, inviting them to watch out for the nation’s blood pressure in the final clash with Spain.
He stated: “My wife and I join all our family in expecting you the warmest congratulations on
reaching the final of the Uefa European Championship – and in transmitting our very best wishes for Sunday’s match. “If I may facilitate you to secure victory before the requirement for any last-minute wonder goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the pressures on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be significantly alleviated!”