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Will England Get a Bank Holiday If Three Lions Win the World Cup?

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England’s long wait for World Cup glory has stretched for 60 years, but with another talented generation chasing football’s biggest prize, supporters are daring to dream once again. If the ‘Three Lions‘ were to go all the way and lift the trophy, celebrations would almost certainly sweep the country.

That raises a question many fans ask every time England enjoy a deep run at a major tournament: would the government declare a bank holiday?

Calls for an extra day off have followed previous successes in football, cricket and other major sporting events, but there is no automatic rule that a World Cup triumph would lead to one.

Will There Be a Bank Holiday if England Win the World Cup?

Anthony Gordon, Morgan Rogers and Jude Bellingham (England) Paul Childs via Reuters

While it is still unclear as to whether or not the Prime Minister would be willing to announce a day of national celebration, should England win the World Cup, Keir Starmer is yet to rule it out.

Speaking in July at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, the PM refused to be drawn into giving a concrete answer when asked about a potential day of mass celebrations, saying:

“On the question of a bank holiday, I think I don’t want to jinx it… but ask me again if we get to the final.”

Starmer’s comments came after England’s thrilling 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the round of 16, which saw Jude Bellingham get his name on the scoresheet twice in two minutes, before Harry Kane’s 60th minute penalty secured a nervy win following Jarell Quansah’s red card early in the second half.

Speaking about the game, the PM hailed the victory as “one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen.”

There had already been calls for the Prime Minister to announce a World Cup-related bank holiday, after the Scottish parliament granted a one-off bank holiday following their early morning clash with Haiti in the group stage.

According to The Guardian, Starmer is expected to announce a bank holiday if England get their hands on the famous trophy. However, given that he will be handing over the keys to No.10 following his resignation from his post, it will likely be his expected successor, Andy Burnham, who would welcome Harry Kane and the boys home, if they go all the way.

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When Could it Be?

Keir Starmer
Keir Starmer

Some fans have suggested that Monday 20th July, the day after the final, would be the most appropriate day for the public to stay home and celebrate. If that were to be the case, it would likely help to prevent the scenes observed in workplaces up and down the country following England’s thrilling victory over Mexico, which saw pubs given special permission to stay open until 5am following the delayed 2am kick-off time, and resulted in some sore heads stumbling into work just hours later.

The PM stepped in to ensure that the kick-off time against Mexico remained unchanged, after FIFA revealed plans to bring the game forward, with the game under threat due to a looming thunderstorm over the Azteca.

However, it is unlikely to be the Monday after the final as the 20th is expected to be Andy Burnham’s first day in office. Therefore, any celebrations are expected to be put on ice until later in the week to prevent a clash of schedules.

Instead, reports from GB News have suggested that Friday 24th July, one week after the final in New Jersey, has been earmarked as a potential date, which would coincide with the players’ homecoming and trophy parade.

Has it Happened Before?

2025 England's Leah Williamson and Keira Walsh celebrate with the trophy and teammates after winning the UEFA Women's Euro 2025

Whilst many fans clamored for a bank holiday to celebrate the successes of the England Lionesses, after the women’s national team secured back-to-back European championships in 2022 and 2025, the UK has never been given a day of national celebration following sporting success, even after the ‘Three Lions’ lifted the Jules Rimet trophy back in 1966.

Instead, the Lionesses were welcomed back to the UK with a reception at Downing Street, having returned from Switzerland as Euro winners in 2025. Although, Starmer has previously hinted at a celebratory bank holiday, saying that their 2022 triumph should be “marked with a proper day of celebration.”

England’s Bank Holidays in 2026

Harry Kane (England) vs DR Congo Paul Childs via Action Images via Reuters

Only three bank holidays will remain if England fail to force another one by winning the World Cup. Britons will be able to soak up the last of the summer sun over the summer bank holiday on Monday 30th August, whilst the Christmas and Boxing Day bank holidays will be moved to Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th December respectively, as the festive period falls on a weekend this year.

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Premier League Teams’ Pre-Season Friendlies & Tours (Summer 2026)

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Premier League teams will shortly return to pre-season training following the completion of the World Cup as they build towards the opening weekend.

Set to return on August 21, the 2026/27 campaign will see Arsenal return as reigning champions whilst the league welcomes Hull City, Coventry and Ipswich Town after their collective promotion.

Players will have the chance for a rest period depending on their international exploits — albeit it varies player to player — before rejoining their teams ahead of their pre-season schedules, which often involve international preparation, tournaments and behind-closed-doors matches.

With that in mind, we’ve looked ahead to see how each Premier League side is preparing for the new season, their tours, friendlies and overall plans.

Arsenal

Arsenal's Martin Odegaard lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the Premier League

Date

Opponent

Venue

1 August

Girona

Away

5 August

Real Betis

Dublin

9 August

Borussia Dortmund

Home (Emirates Cup)

16 August

Man City (FA Community Shield)

Cardiff

Aston Villa

Aston Villa celebrate against Wolves REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

Date

Opponent

Venue

21 July

Walsall

Away

28 July

Real Sociedad

Walsall

1 August

Indonesia All-Stars

Jakarta

4 August

BG Pathum United

Pathum Thani

7 August

Bayern Munich

Hong Kong

15 August

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Away

Bournemouth

General view of Bournemouth's badge

Date

Opponent

Venue

24 July

St.Pauli

Saalfelden

30 July

Augsburg

Saalfelden

4 August

Genoa

Behind closed doors

8 August

Real Betis

Seville

Brentford

Brentford players

Date

Opponent

Venue

8 August

Rennes

Away

15 August

Eintracht Frankfurt

London

Brighton

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler

Date

Opponent

Venue

25 July

Annecy

Behind closed doors

1 August

Strasbourg

Behind closed doors

8 August

Roma

Home

15 August

Bologna

Home

Chelsea

Chelsea flag
Chelsea flag

Date

Opponent

Venue

28 July

Western Sydney Wanderers

Sydney

1 August

Spurs

Sydney

5 August

Juventus

Hong Kong

8 August

AC Milan

Jakarta

9 August

Johor Darul Ta’zim

Johor

Coventry

Coventry City's Frank Lampard

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Northampton Town

Away

8 August

Espanyol

Home

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace celebrate after winning the Conference League

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Swindon

Behind closed doors

25 July

Bromley

Hayes Lane

28 July

Lens

Como

28 July

FC Famalicao

Como

31 or 1 August

TBC

Como

15 August

SC Freiburg

Away

Everton

Everton

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Dundee

Away

25 July

Bolton

Away

28 July

Stoke

Away

1 August

Hamburg

Away

12 August

Newcastle

Edinburgh

Fulham

No Fixtures Announced

Hull City

No Fixtures Announced

Ipswich Town

ipswich town

Date

Opponent

Venue

29 July

Osasuna

Colchester

1 August

Oxford Utd

Away

4 August

Le Havre

Home

8 August

Rayo Vallecano

Home

15 August

Union Berlin

Berlin

Leeds United

Leeds United's Karl Darlow celebrates with Jayden Bogle and Sean Longstaff after the match

Date

Opponent

Venue

25 July

Wrexham

Tampa

30 July

Sunderland

New Jersey

2 August

Liverpool

Chicago

8 August

RB Leipzig

Home

12 August

Man Utd

Dublin

Liverpool

Liverpool players huddle before the match vs Everton

Date

Opponent

Venue

25 July

Sunderland

Nashville

29 July

Wrexham

New York

2 August

Leeds

Chicago

9 August

Monaco

Anfield

16 August

Como

Anfield

Manchester City

Manchester City
Manchester City

Date

Opponent

Venue

1 August

Inter Milan

Hong Kong

5 August

K-League All Stars

Seoul

9 August

Atlético Madrid

Seoul

16 August

Arsenal (FA Community Shield)

Cardiff

Manchester United

Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates vs Nottingham Forest with Matheus Cunha and Bruno Fernandes

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Wrexham

Helsinki

24 July

Rosenborg

Trondheim

1 August

Atlético Madrid

Stockholm

8 August

Paris Saint-Germain

Gothenburg

12 August

Leeds United

Dublin

15 August

AC Milan

Wroclaw

Newcastle United

newcastle united

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Darlington

Behind closed doors

25 July

Gateshead

Away

29 July

Bristol City

Away

8 August

Valencia

Away

12 August

Everton

Edinburgh

15 August

Bayer Leverkusen

Home

16 August

TBC

Home

Nottingham Forest

Morgan Gibbs-White celebrating after scoring for Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League against Porto

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

Notts County

Away

22 July

Blackburn

Albufeira

26 July

Vitoria

Behind closed doors

31 July

Sporting

Faro

12 August

Bayer Leverkusen

Home

16 August

Brest

Home

Sunderland

Sunderland celebrate Premier League goal
Sunderland celebrate Premier League goal

Date

Opponent

Venue

18 July

York City

York

25 July

Liverpool

Nashville

30 July

Leeds

New Jersey

2 August

Wrexham

Philadelphia

8 August

Lens

Lens

15 August

Rennes

Stadium of Light

Tottenham

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi celebrates win at Aston Villa via Reuters

Date

Opponent

Venue

22 July

MK Dons

Behind closed doors

26 July

Auckland FC

Auckland

29 July

Sydney FC

Sydney

1 August

Chelsea

Sydney

8 August

Getafe

Behind closed doors

15 August

Hoffenheim

Home

16 August

Hoffenheim

Behind closed doors

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World Cup 2026 Goal Songs: Every Team’s Celebration Music

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The 2026 World Cup captured the imagination of a global audience — combining passion, support, energy and a healthy dose of music.

Every country has their own chants, music and anthems that ring out during their games. Interestingly, FIFA invited every one of the 48 competing nations to select a soundtrack, with one to ring out every time the team scored, and another to celebrate a full-time victory.

It allowed an incredible atmosphere to develop across the 16 host cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, FIFA created playlists together with the national associations, but a lot of the picks were spotted by fans in the ground, and several teams used more than one song — meaning the track you heard could change from match to match.

Therefore, we’ve decided to wade through the tournament and analyse all the reported goal celebration songs by each country in the competition, from which information is publicly available.

Goal celebration songs by team

Team

Goal Song (Reported)

Artist

Algeria

One, Two, Three, Viva l’Algérie

Medi Meyz

Argentina

La cumbia de los trapos

Yerba Brava

Australia

Down Under

Men at Work

Czechia

Národní tým

DJ Nassi

DR Congo

Congo Elonga

Donat Mwanza

England

Chase the Sun

Planet Funk

France

One More Time

Daft Punk

Ghana

Kakalika

DopeNation

Mexico

Mariachi Selection

Mariachi Vargas

Norway

(Viking-themed goal music)

N/A

Scotland

I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)

The Proclaimers

South Korea

K-pop selection

BTS/Blackpink

Spain

Despechá

Rosalía

Sweden

När vi gräver guld i USA

Glenmark Eriksson Strömstedt

USA

Livin’ on a Prayer

Bon Jovi

Uruguay

Cielo de un solo color

No Te Va a Gustar

Uzbekistan

Olg’a O’zbekiston

Jahon Sari

From the list above, it is clear that English-speaking nations have gone for universally known anthems to engage the fans and help elevate an already important moment.

England‘s pick takes inspiration from another one of the country’s biggest fan-friendly sports: darts. Whilst the Scottish embraced one of the most well-known important music exports with the Proclaimers.

America steered into the classic rock anthem with Bon Jovi and the French went for the high-energy and famed dance anthem from Daft Punk, which goes hand-in-hand with their on-pitch electricity. Whilst Australia’s ‘Land Down Under’ is inherently Aussie, it is also the most jovial of songs on the list.

Outside of that, most countries kept it traditional, selecting something that truly represents their people rather than a global anthem that all will know. South Korea‘s K-Pop selection is a global phenomenon, but the rest are songs likely only known to the country and a very small percentage of people who aren’t natives.

England Goal Celebration Song

“Chase the Sun” by Planet Funk was released in Europe around the start of the decade. It is an Italian electronic production and its melody is lifted from a film score. The unique sound has become an anthem for sporting fans.

British audiences know it best as the official anthem of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, perfect for a fast-moving and exciting environment and one that represents joy for English fan culture. However, the unofficial supporter anthem that has been adopted by the team is “Wonderwall” by Oasis, that has brought incredible post-match celebration footage.

Spain Goal Celebration Song

The reigning European champions’ goal music includes “Despechá” by Rosalía, which is one of two goal songs used by the Spanish. This 2022 release became one of the year’s defining summer hits, making it perfect for stadium and fan celebrations. A contemporary choice for a team that is well-used to success and joyous moments on the pitch.

Argentina Goal Celebration Song

This song sits alongside specific fan chants that have been well-loved by the Argentinian fans. For example, this song from Yerba Brava is a bouncing, street song that plays over the PA when they find the net.

It shouldn’t be confused with the fan songs that we hear, including Muchachos — or ‘The Land of Diego and Lionel‘ which have been universally sung from the 2022 World Cup triumph into the next tournament. A new one is La Cuarta Estrella and others include ‘El que no brinque es Inglés’ (Whoever Doesn’t Jump is English), Argentine singer Gilda’s ‘No me arrepiento de este amor‘ and ‘El Diez‘, a song about Diego Maradona.

France Goal Celebration Song

Released in 2000, Daft Punk were known for creating one of the classics in the electric, dance and house genres. It is a wholly euphoric track that is endlessly repeatable and the build-up and explosion of sound is perfect for a team with incredible firepower who aims at capturing World Cup glory. There is also ‘Song 2′ by Blur, which is reportedly in their rotation, which also speaks to the high-energy.

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Best Premier League Players Whose Contracts Expire in 2027 [Ranked]

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With the transfer market in full swing, we’ve seen Premier League clubs flex their financial muscles, but there is a section of the market that remains mostly untouched.

In football transfer business, there is one area clubs can target that gives them better negotiating power: players who have less than a year remaining on their current contracts. That leverage leads to potential opportunities for clubs that ordinarily wouldn’t have been possible before.

We’ve decided to collate the best 10 Premier League players whose deals expire in June 2027, and we’ve ranked them by pure quality right now and standing on the market — and their contract statuses are correct as of the time of writing.

How we ranked them: current form and quality first, then influence on their team, with contract situation as the qualifying filter rather than the ranking metric.

10

Harvey Elliott (Liverpool)

Harvey Elliott

It has been a difficult 12–18 month period for Liverpool‘s Harvey Elliott. A favourite under Jürgen Klopp, he was included in every single matchday squad of the 2023-24 campaign, but now he finds his career in a state of stagnation.

A failed loan at Aston Villa leaves him to return to Anfield, where he’ll want to impress new manager Andoni Iraola — but the most likely outcome is a move away, either in this window or in six-to-12 months’ time. Yet, at 23, he still has so much more to give.

9

Jack Grealish (Man City)

Jack Grealish

On loan at Everton from Manchester City, Jack Grealish saw his form quickly resurface as he became the creative outlet for David Moyes‘ solid, resolute side. He had five goal contributions in his first six starts, though his output tailed off with just three across his next 11 league appearances.

Perhaps the return to regular starts was a shock to the system after two years of bit-part appearances under Pep Guardiola. The second half of his campaign was then wiped out by a foot injury, with his last appearance coming in January.

His long-term future rests with City, where new boss Enzo Maresca must decide in the summer whether Grealish figures in his plans or is sold for good — Everton hold a £50m option to buy. With his City deal expiring next year, this is the natural moment for a permanent switch.

8

Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones

One of Liverpool’s best academy products of the past decade is also in a career quandary. Well-liked by both Klopp and Arne Slot, Curtis Jones has never nailed down a permanent midfield spot and has drawn transfer interest across the past six-to-12 months.

Serie A could be the destination, with Inter Milan hoping to land a bargain, but it will come down to Iraola’s preference. His technical gifts would certainly thrive in Italy if that move materialised but Nottingham Forest have also been linked.

7

Lisandro Martínez (Man Utd)

lisandro martinez

A key starter for club and country, Lisandro Martínez has been dogged by injuries since moving to Manchester United, with cruciate ligament and calf problems combining to limit him to fewer than 20 games in all competitions last season.

However, when he’s fit, he starts — and the 28-year-old proved at the World Cup that he should remain central for Michael Carrick next season. He faces a decision in the next 12 months: commit to United, or seek one final grand move.

6

Alisson (Liverpool)

Alisson Caean Couto / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters

Alisson Becker has been one of the standout goalkeepers in world football since moving to Liverpool in 2018, and with over 300 games and several major trophies, he can look back on a sensational Merseyside career. How much longer that continues is unclear.

Reports of a move away have been circulating and, at 33, he has a decision to make. His fitness isn’t quite what it was — he missed 18 games across the Premier League and Champions League — and both club and player will need to settle on the next chapter, together.

5

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta with the match ball after scoring a hat-trick vs Bournemouth via Reuters

The French striker has already flirted with an exit and, at 29, a big move is now-or-never. Despite an up-and-down campaign, he lifted the Europa Conference League and netted 12 league goals, following up his 14 from the year before.

Strong, direct and a real handful for defenders, Jean-Philippe Mateta would be a shrewd signing for a European side — the likeliest outcome, particularly in the wake of Oliver Glasner’s exit.

4

Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli

One of the young players Mikel Arteta has honed over his tenure, Gabriel Martinelli finds himself a backup in the current Arsenal setup, starting half their Champions League games and only 11 in their title-winning campaign.

At 25, he doesn’t look to be heading anywhere, and a new deal seems the likeliest outcome, even if Arsenal‘s left flank is an area to strengthen. With Leandro Trossard reported to be on his way out, the Brazilian will likely remain.

3

Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

Virgil van Dijk Action Images via Reuters

Universally regarded as one of the finest defenders of the past eight or so years, Virgil van Dijk is in the final stretch of his career at the top level and must weigh his next steps. With Mohamed Salah having exited at the end of last season, his own thoughts will turn to the future — a move to a major club could still happen, even at 34.

He isn’t quite as imperious as he was, but there’s still time to forge another chapter in a Liverpool shirt, or elsewhere.

2

Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

Bruno Fernandes Rodrigo Antunes via Reuters

The Premier League’s record-breaking playmaker has been a true talisman for United across the past five years, but he too stands at a critical point. With the Red Devils back among Europe’s elite, he’ll be front and centre once again.

Now 31, from the outside looking in, he is good enough to join a side genuinely challenging for trophies — which United aren’t — but the bond he has built at Old Trafford makes a departure hard to see just yet. There still feels like unfinished business.

1

Rodri (Man City)

Man City midfielder Rodri
Man City midfielder Rodri

A former Ballon d’Or winner was always going to top this list, even if the form that won him the award may never fully return. Having suffered a major injury just after claiming the global prize, he has struggled to rediscover those heights.

With Maresca bringing in Elliot Anderson, Rodri will be afforded more rotation after a season disrupted by groin, knee and hamstring trouble. Now 30, his very best days may be behind him — but on his day, he remains good enough to decide the biggest games.

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