Prime Minister Keir Starmer teases England’s World Cup win celebration

Keir Starmer hinted that Ann England world championship the triumph could be marked with further celebration as excitement continues to build ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway.

The Prime Minister was full of praise for England’s dramatic last 16 run victory over Mexico and suggests supporters may have even more to celebrate if Thomas Tuchel’s side can make it all the way in North America.

Prime Minister praises England’s return to Mexico

England booked their place in the quarter-finals with a memorable win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Monday.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Starmer described the performance as one of the best he had seen from the national team.

« It was one of the best England performances I’ve ever seen, » he said.

Asked if he would support a national holiday if England lifted the trophy on July 19, the Prime Minister made no promises but did little to quell speculation.

« I don’t want to make myself miserable, but ask me again if we get to the final, » he said.

With the World Cup final scheduled for Sunday, it goes without saying that next Friday is seen as the most likely date for any potential bank holiday.

Starmer also revealed he resisted calls to follow the example of United States President Donald Trump, who successfully pushed for FIFA to review the suspension of Folarin Balogun earlier in the tournament.

« I can’t tell you how many messages I had to overturn the red card we got in the early hours of Monday, » he said.

« I hasten to add, I have not attempted to. »

Friendly rivalry before the game with Norway

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gare Storre shake hands ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash between England and Norway on Saturday.

Starmer told Støre that « the time is ours » during their exchange at the NATO summit in Ankara…. pic.twitter.com/9mMGgbE6Ea

— Sky News (@SkyNews) July 7, 2026

England face Norway in Miami on Saturday with a place in the semi-finals on the line, and Sir Keir admitted his relationship with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gare Store will be on short notice.

The two met at the NATO summit, where the Prime Minister jokingly reminded his counterpart of England’s World Cup history under Labor governments.

« I am a good friend of his, » said Sir Keir.

“The relationship between Norway and the UK is as strong as it has ever been and he is a key figure in the coalitions we are building.

« But for 90 minutes on Saturday night we’re going to have to go our separate ways going into this game. »