England Euro 2025 Triumph Sparks Celebrations, But Will There Be a Bank Holiday?

Government’s stance on Lionesses‘ Euro 2025 win and possible extra day off

England’s Lionesses have done it again. For the second consecutive European Championship, Sarina Wiegman’s team stood tall on the biggest stage, this time overcoming reigning world champions Spain in a tense and dramatic penalty shootout in Basel. With the trophy secured and wild celebrations erupting both in Switzerland and across the UK, talk quickly turned to one big question: will England get a bank holiday to celebrate this historic Euro 2025 victory?

The short answer? It doesn’t look likely—despite the calls and the fanfare.

Back-to-back champions: The Lionesses cement their legacy

What the Lionesses achieved in Basel will go down as one of the proudest moments in English football history. Not only did they retain their European crown, but they also did it in the most heart-stopping fashion possible. Chloe Kelly, the hero of Wembley in 2022, was once again the name on everyone’s lips. The Arsenal forward stepped up and delivered the winning penalty, sending the red and white half of the stadium into raptures and confirming England’s dominance in the women’s game.

This win wasn’t just a sporting triumph—it was a cultural moment. Across the UK, fans celebrated late into the night, from pub gardens and fan zones to living rooms and high streets. From Manchester to Margate, the victory was marked with song, flags, and more than a few tears of joy.

The team will be welcomed home like heroes, with an open-top bus parade through the streets of London scheduled for Tuesday. The parade will conclude with a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, and the whole event promises to be a festival of pride, unity, and sporting excellence.

Calls for a bank holiday return—but no green light

Chloe Kelly England Euro 2025

With emotions running high and the country basking in national pride, the idea of a celebratory bank holiday has once again surfaced. It’s not a new request. When England lifted the Euro 2022 trophy at Wembley, there were similar calls for an extra day off to mark the historic win. And ahead of the 2023 World Cup final, Labour leader Keir Starmer said that if the Lionesses “bring it home,” the moment should be marked “with a proper day of celebration.”

Now, having done exactly that—defeating the world champions and defending their continental crown—the question seems more valid than ever. But according to the latest reports, including those from the BBC, the UK government does not currently plan to grant a bank holiday.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer did offer his praise to the squad, saying they had “once again captured the hearts of the nation,” while Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner said it would be a “privilege to celebrate” with the Lionesses. However, these warm words haven’t translated into concrete action regarding a public holiday.

Why no bank holiday? The cost of celebration

As ever, the decision appears to come down to finances and logistics. It is estimated that granting an extra bank holiday could cost the UK economy up to £1.36 billion. That’s a figure previous governments have also considered when turning down similar proposals after major sporting victories.

Even the men’s 1966 World Cup triumph didn’t earn the nation an official day off—an astonishing thought in hindsight, given the lasting cultural impact of that tournament. The same was true in 2022 after the Lionesses first lifted the Euros trophy. While some businesses and schools chose to mark the occasion in their own way, a nationwide holiday was never on the table.

Public reaction: Pride, joy… and a bit of frustration

england

Naturally, many fans feel that this historic moment deserves more than just a pat on the back. On social media, thousands of users have voiced their support for a national day of celebration. Some argue that the achievements of England’s women should be recognised on the same scale as the men’s team, if not more. Others point out the unifying power of sport, especially in difficult times.

For many, the Lionesses represent more than just success on the pitch. They symbolise progress, representation, and the growing popularity and professionalism of women’s football in England. A bank holiday, supporters argue, would not just be about football—it would be a celebration of how far the game, and society, has come.

Starmer’s promise: A question of timing?

There’s also the issue of political timing. With a new government settling in, Starmer’s team may simply be reluctant to make such a sweeping economic decision in their early days in office. While he has previously expressed support for celebrating major victories with a bank holiday, the reality of governing—budgets, productivity, precedent—seems to be weighing heavily.

It’s possible that some form of recognition could still happen in the coming weeks. Honours for players, official receptions, and local celebrations may still be on the cards. But for now, the hope of an extra lie-in for workers and schoolchildren across the country remains just that—a hope.

What’s next for the Lionesses?

Bank holiday or not, the Lionesses will return home as national icons. The parade on Tuesday will provide a chance for fans to show their appreciation, wave their flags, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

As for the team, attention will soon shift to new challenges: Olympic qualifiers, the Nations League, and preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup. With a strong squad, an elite manager, and the belief that comes with two straight Euros titles, this team looks set to continue shaping the future of English football.

Final whistle

In an ideal world, success like this would be rewarded with both cheers and a chilled Monday morning. But while a bank holiday remains off the cards—for now—the joy, pride, and inspiration delivered by England’s Euro 2025 win is worth far more than a day off. The legacy of the Lionesses continues to grow, and even without a public holiday, their place in the nation’s heart is well and truly secure.