No10 confirms if there will be bank holiday for Euros win after Lionesses soared to victory with penalty heroics
BANK ON IT No10 confirms if there will be bank holiday for Euros win after Lionesses soared to victory with penalty heroics
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THE Government has confirmed if there will be a bank holiday following the Lionesses' historic Euros victory.
A decision has been made after Chloe Kelly's cool penalty decided England's tense clash against Spain in Basel, Switzerland, last night.
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PM Keir Starmer in the stand before the final yesterday
Credit: Getty
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Chloe Kelly converted the decisive kick as England beat Spain 3-1 on penalties
Credit: AFP
They are the first senior England football team to win a major tournament on foreign soil and the first to retain a trophy after victory in 2022.
But speaking today, the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has revealed that there won't be a bank holiday to celebrate the win.
Speaking to Times Radio, Mr Reynolds said: "There should be a day of celebration. That's what the prime minister promised.
"That's not a bank holiday, but there is a Downing Street reception today. There'll be the Victory Parade tomorrow.
"I'm afraid I can't announce a bank holiday, but there should be a celebration to mark this brilliant achievement."
The Prime Minister has previously pushed for a bank holiday to celebrate the Lionesses' achievements.
Ahead of their loss to Spain in the World Cup final two years ago, Sir Keir Starmer has backed the day of celebration.
Writing on X at the time, he 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."
Mr Reynolds added: "It's a magnificent achievement and it was just a privilege to watch.
"I think this team handles the big tournament pressure better than any England team I've ever seen.
"I mean, there were some tough moments, but they really came through."
England fell behind to a goal by Mariona Caldentey in the 25th minute, but Alessia Russo scored a stunning equaliser after half time.
Chloe Kelly delivered the perfect cross to Russo in the box, who brilliantly headed it into the side-netting.
The teams battled it out in 30 minutes of extra time before England's Kelly scored the winning goal in penalties.
The match took place in Basel, Switzerland, at the massive St Jakob-Park stadium and just over 34,000 fans are in attendance.
Meanwhile, an estimated 16 million Brits watched from home.
Manager Sarina Wiegman ran on to the pitch punching the air as she joined the mass of players and staff mobbing Kelly.
The Arsenal ace was in tears as she joined thousands of delighted fans singing Sweet Caroline.
Moments later, Kelly said: 'I am so proud of this team. So grateful to wear this badge. So proud to be English. I was cool, I was composed.
'I knew I was going to hit the back of the net. Unbelievable. All the staff and Sarina Wiegman — she has done it again! Unbelievable.
'It is going to be crazy. I hope the whole of England comes out to support us and shows their love to these girls as they deserve it.'
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