If England win the World Cup, would Wales and Scotland also get a bank holiday? Here’s what the rules say and what could happen next.

England are just one win away from the World Cup final, but if they go on to lift the trophy, would people in Wales and Scotland also get an extra bank holiday?

It’s a question many outside England are asking ahead of tonight’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina, with reports suggesting the UK Government is preparing plans for an extra day off if the Three Lions become world champions.

Would Wales get the bank holiday?

Almost certainly, yes.

Bank holidays are a reserved matter, meaning they are decided by Westminster for England and Wales together.

While no official announcement has been made, it would be highly unusual for England to receive a bank holiday without Wales also being included.

In fact, Wales has no powers to create its own bank holidays, making it the only UK nation unable to do so.

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What about Scotland?

Scotland is different.

The Scottish Government has powers over public holidays, meaning ministers in Edinburgh would decide whether to follow suit, but it’s highly unlikely.

Scotland already has nine bank holidays compared with eight in England and Wales.

Last month, Scotland announced a separate national holiday to mark the country’s first appearance at a men’s World Cup finals since 1998.

And Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland also has devolved powers over public holidays and currently enjoys 10 bank holidays each year.

Any decision there would rest with the Executive rather than Westminster.

Why has this become a talking point?

Many in Wales have long campaigned for St David’s Day to become a national bank holiday.

Successive UK governments have rejected those calls, arguing an additional permanent holiday would have a significant economic impact.

If Wales were to receive a day off because England won the World Cup, some critics argue it would reignite debate about why Wales still cannot decide its own national holidays.

What has Keir Starmer said?

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not confirmed a bank holiday but has strongly hinted one remains possible.

Speaking earlier this month, he said: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.”

Reports suggest the Government could announce plans as early as Thursday if England beat Argentina, with Friday, July 24 earmarked as the most likely date should England go on to beat Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final.

There was fury this evening after Argentina fans booed loudly enough to drown out God Save the King – before England fans returned the favour. 

Both Argentinian and England fans jeered their opponent’s national anthems before kick-off for tonight’s World Cup semi-final. 

The packed-out stadium in Atlanta was filled with rival fans who certainly made their voices heard, ahead of England’s most important football match since 1966.

Thomas Tuchel‘s side lined up on the pitch alongside their Argentinian opposition, but while both sides were seen singing along to their respective anthems, fans at home could barely make out the tune.

Tens of thousands of fans on each side determinedly booed and jeered throughout, leaving supporters in Britain to follow along based on their lips.

There are fears tempers will fray tonight as the high-stakes match sees England take part in its fourth-ever semi-final.

Only once, in 1966, have they progressed to the final while Argentina has won its last five consecutive World Cup last-four games.

The match kicked off at 8pm in Georgia – and while thousands of supporters have travelled stateside to watch England play, millions more are watching screenings of the game across the country. 

England lines up for the national anthems ahead of their semi-final World Cup tie against Argentina

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Ahead of kick-off, both teams ran out onto the pitch in what is expected to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament so far.

But England fans were less than impressed by the Argentinians’ opening display, with some accusing them of having no ‘respect’ for God Save the King.

As well as jeering, some fans in the stadium were seen singing ‘Whoever doesn’t jump is English’ during the anthem.

‘Argentine supporters have no respect for the English national anthem. Come on England,’ said one.

‘Argentina’s fans are too loud, you can’t even hear the England anthem,’ said a second on social media.

A third branded the behaviour ‘disappointing’ – but England fans were not to be outdone. 

Even before the opening notes of Argentina’s anthem rang around the stadium, supporters of the Three Lions were already jeering, determined to return the favour.

Many fans watching at home described the South American side’s players as appearing ‘angry’ or ‘passionate’ in their singing, as tens of thousands of fans joined in from the stands.

Once the whistle blew, the competition got off to a feisty start with combative challenges which resulted in arguments both on and off the pitch.

England fans in Manchester sing along to God Save the King as they watch the semi-final

The flags of England and Argentina are seen before the World Cup semifinal soccer match between England and Argentina in Atlanta

Early competition between the two sides saw some feisty confrontations on the pitch

While players stepped in to prevent any physical altercations on-field between Kane and Lionel Messi’s teams, Tuchel was seen remonstrating with officials on the touchline.

Earlier, England fans said they are optimistic that the Three Lions can secure a place in the World Cup final, but highlighted concerns that Messi may stand in their way.

Thousands of England supporters have descended on Atlanta ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final against defending champions Argentina.

The old rivals go head-to-head at the air-conditioned Mercedes-Benz Stadium – and superfan Gary Holliday said he spent around £2,500 on a ticket for the match.

Speaking outside the stadium in Atlanta, Mr Holliday, 46, from Birmingham, said: ‘I’ve been chatting to the lads in the WhatsApp group and I’m mildly optimistic, to be honest.

‘If Bellingham turns up, I honestly don’t think these are as good as, certainly what they think they are.

‘I think Bellingham is going to run all over them, to be honest – Kane has been off the boil for the last couple, I think he owes us a game as well.

‘So I’m quite optimistic – I’ve spent a small fortune on a ticket for the final so fingers, toes and anything else long enough crossed.’

Also outside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Colin Leslie, 63, originally from Salisbury, said: ‘I’m absolutely petrified.

‘It’s going to be a long trip home if it goes wrong.’

Asked if he was confident of a result, he added: ‘The same as every tournament – yes. And we’ve got a Bellingham so we should be all right, and we’ve got a Kane as a back-up for Bellingham, and I believe Mr (Declan) Rice might be joining us today.’

Liam Pearce, 29, from Wiltshire, added: ‘I’m very nervous, it’s the semi-final of a World Cup.

‘It’s a big game, it’s a big rivalry, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.’

Mr Holliday conceded that he was ‘mildly concerned’ about the threat posed by Argentina captain Messi.

‘You’ve got to be mildly concerned haven’t you?’ he said.

‘But Messi of four years ago is not the same player he is now.

‘I think he looks brilliant against really, really average teams, and I don’t think we’re average – I think Elliot Anderson and Declan (Rice) will get around him and hopefully smash him.’

He continued: ‘I’ve been to every tournament since 2014 and I have literally waited my entire life to see England play Argentina.’

James Norton’s Belfast-filmed drama has been praised by viewers who have been left in tears.

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A heartbreaking film that audiences claim will take you on a deeply moving experience from start to finish is available to steam

Inspired by a true story, Nowhere Special chronicles the story of single father John (portrayed by James Norton), who receives a terminal diagnosis.

Throughout his remaining months, he undertakes one crucial endeavour: to secure a new adoptive home for the four-year-old son he must leave behind following his death.

The picture, which was released in 2020, was filmed and set in Belfast and was written, directed, and produced by Uberto Pasolini, reports the Irish Mirror.

A synopsis reads: “When single father John is given only a few months left to live, he tries to find the perfect family for his young son while shielding the boy from the terrible reality of the situation.

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“As he struggles to find the right answer for the impossible task, he meets a social worker who opens him up to solutions he never would have considered.”

Presently, the picture holds a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100 per cent and has garnered widespread acclaim from those who’ve watched it, with numerous viewers reduced to tears.

One viewer commented: “Perfectly beautiful, devastating with a bittersweet ending. It was perfect! A gut-wrenching, soul-searching experience, where the characters draw you in and keep you the whole way through.”

Another person wrote: “It’s a beautiful, heartbreaking movie. Well acted and heart touching. It’s all about love. Deffo watch it.”

Another viewer remarked: “Most touching film I can remember watching. This will break your heart from the first scene onwards, but stick with it, and I promise that it will also: 1. Inspire you 2. Make you look at all sorts of things through another light, and most importantly, 3. Leave you as a better person.”

While a fourth enthused: “Heartbreakingly excellent. A film to remember and such a fine performance by James Norton and the little boy. A truly emotional journey, and Pasolini’s direction and screenplay are breathtaking.”

Previously, James Norton admitted he was moved to tears upon reading the script, and one particular scene required several reshoots as he repeatedly broke down, with the director keen for his character to come across as composed.

He once revealed to Sky News’ Backstage podcast: “What’s interesting about this film and the script, particularly as I read it… even though it was very pared down and simple, I was crying by the end of the read.

“So I knew that there was something there, the kind of kernel of something very special, and it wasn’t just the fact that it was a film about someone dying, approaching death, there was equally something uplifting about the love story between this father and son.

“And, you know, when you read that script and you find yourself crying by the end, you know you’ve got to make it.”

Nowhere Special is available to stream on Prime Video and ITVX

Katie Price has taken aim at her second husband Alex Reid, branding him a “nobody” as she shares a crude statement, revealing how she feels about their relationship.

Katie Price had a scathing statement to make about her ex-husband Alex Reid. The former glamour model branded him a “nobody” and implied that he was only famous because they were together.

Speaking on the Not My Bagg podcast, Katie called herself the “breadwinner” in her relationship with Alex and said he did nothing but “ponce around” her. This came after host Joe Baggs said Alex was the first celebrity he’d ever met.

In response to Joe’s comments, Katie said: “But is he? What because he k****ed me? Like what makes him a celebrity? When they associated with me, they were nothing and I mean nothing.

“Just because they’ve been with me, suddenly they think they are a celebrity. They ponce around me, use me. I’m the breadwinner and it becomes boring.”

Prior to being in a relationship with Katie, Alex was an MMA star. The pair met at Michelle Heaton’s 30th birthday party in 2009 and married in February 2010. They split less than a year later, with their divorce finalising in 2012.

Previously talking to the Mirror, Alex claimed he felt “intoxicated with the celebrity and the whole situation” during his time with Katie. he added that, when he looks back, he “realised that it was less about romance and more about showbiz”.

Revealing how he really felt about the media attention they got after marrying, Alex said: “The thing is, I was not used to being in the media. I was a lamb to the slaughter. I was a champion mixed martial arts cage fighter, I was a baby when it comes to media.”

While Katie’s words came amid her promotional tour for her new documentary, Katie Price: Nothing To Hide, it also comes as Alex prepares to do his own theatre show. The MMA cage fighter has said he will reveal “his story, his truth” in Alex Reid Speaks Out.

He has promised fans he will “tell his truth”, including his time with Katie, his spell on Celebrity Big Brother and his fatherhood journey. Alex wrote: “‘For one night only, I’m doing my most honest live event yet. We’ll talk about everything. No script. No filters. No subjects off limits.”

Alex also appeared in Katie’s documentary, in which he told the cameras: “She emasculates me.” The documentary also spoke to some of the other people Katie had relationships with, including Gareth Gates.

As well as Alex, Katie has been married three other times. She first married Peter Andre, with the two wedding in 2005 and having two children together before divorcing in 2009. She also married Kieran Hayler after Alex, tying the knot in 2013 and divorcing in 2021. In 2026, she married Lee Andrews.

Like Alex, the marriage with Lee occurred after a whirlwind romance. But while she and Alex married after six months together, Katie married Lee just a few days after meeting him.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .

Koji, located on High Street West in Sunderland, has hit the market for £50,000.

The eatery has become a familiar stop for Sunderland theatre‑goers, offering Japanese dishes in a compact, stylish space directly opposite the Sunderland Empire.

The restaurant sits opposite Sunderland’s Empire Theatre. (Image: Rook Matthews Sayer)

Reviews describe it as a “cute little restaurant” and “really good pre‑theatre food”.

Thanks to its location near the Theatre, Koji enjoys a high-traffic spot in the heart of the city.

The current owners report a weekly turnover of £8,000 to £10,000, with the two-storey premises featuring an open-plan dining space with room for 40 to 50 diners and a fully equipped commercial kitchen.

The restaurant also holds a five-star food hygiene rating, awarded following an inspection on March 7, 2024.

(Image: Rook Matthews Sayer)

The ground-floor dining area is finished to a modern standard, with timber flooring, exposed brickwork, feature lighting, and a fully licensed bar.

To the rear is a commercial kitchen complete with professional catering equipment, an extraction system, preparation areas, and refrigeration.

The first floor houses customer toilets and additional storage space.

Koji’s central location places it within walking distance of The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland Empire Theatre, and the city’s train and Metro stations.

The area is surrounded by shops, bars, cafes, and student accommodation, contributing to steady daytime and evening footfall from shoppers, students, and theatre audiences.

A spokesman for the agent marketing the property said: “This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced operator, first-time restaurateur or expanding hospitality group seeking an established and profitable business with significant scope for continued growth.”

“The business is offered as a genuine turnkey opportunity, with all fixtures, fittings and commercial catering equipment included, allowing a new owner to continue trading immediately with minimal additional capital expenditure.”

Public transport links and nearby parking further boost its accessibility for customers.

Romzan Ali said he was unsure about what the future would look like after both his parents passed away

A man who felt “lost and unsure about the future” after the sudden deaths of his parents said he has learnt setbacks “don’t define your future”. Romzan Ali has graduated with first class honours and now has his sights set on becoming an air traffic controller having secured a job working in security at Cardiff Airport.

The 22-year-old, from Ely, reflected: “This experience has taught me that setbacks don’t define your future. With persistence, support and hard work, it’s possible to overcome challenges and achieve your goals.”

In 2019, Romzan’s dad died suddenly and shortly after, his mum, who was living in Bangladesh, also died. It was this personal tragedy which brought his education to a halt while he was studying for his A-levels.

“Everything stopped,” Romzan said. “At the time, I felt lost and unsure about what the future would look like.”

Romzan then tried to return to studying but faced yet more setbacks with unsuccessful applications and limited course availability. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

However he was so committed to going to university Romzan self-funded an online Access programme with his own savings, enabling him to complete the equivalent of three A-levels within a year. It was this that he says was the real turning point.

Since then, Romzan developed a keen interest in the aviation industry and undertook a number of extra courses alongside his university course.

He completed additional modules with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is now leading a consultancy project focused on revenue development strategies for Cardiff Airport.

The 22-year-old has now graduated from an aviation management degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University, and said he knows completing the degree will have made his dad proud.

He reflected: “My dad always wanted me to do well in school and achieve a degree. Completing university means a lot to me because I know it would have made him proud.”

Romzan also praised the support of his sister and brother-in-law, Shahela and Mahmud. “They have been my biggest supporters from the beginning,” he said.

“They always believed in me, even during the hardest times. My tutors at Cardiff Met have also been incredibly supportive throughout my degree, helping me build confidence in myself and my abilities.”

Having now got a security job at Cardiff Airport, Romzan hopes to continue building on his love for the industry and wants to one day become an air traffic controller.

He said: “I’ve always been fascinated by aviation. The industry is constantly evolving and connecting people around the world. My goal is to build a career where I can continue learning and taking on responsibility.”

By CAROLINE PEACOCK, SHOWBUSINESS REPORTER

Published: 19:10 BST, 15 July 2026 | Updated: 19:46 BST, 15 July 2026

Ulrika Jonsson looked unrecognisable as she switched up her trademark blonde locks for a series of dramatic wigs.

The presenter, 58, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday and told her fans that she’s ‘considering a change.’

She first donned a short black wig with red highlights and side-swept bangs, before swapping into a brunette 70s-inspired curly wig.

This was followed by her posing in a platinum-blonde bob wig and glasses, while beaming at the camera. 

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Her fun snaps come after Ulrika opened up about how going sober felt like a ‘spiritual awakening’.  

The presenter said she went from ‘not wanting to live anymore to trying to squeeze every moment out of life’ after giving up booze.

Ulrika Jonsson looked unrecognisable as she switched up her trademark blonde locks to experiment with a series of different wigs

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The presenter, 58, took to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday and told her fans that she’s ‘considering a change’

She looked worlds away from her usual self as she posed for fun snaps in the wigs 

The star is about to mark two years of sobriety after hitting rock bottom and wishing ‘the drink would take her’ and opened up about her progress on the In Recovery Ark House Rehab podcast last month.

She said: ‘I had a spiritual awakening – really it’s just like I was waiting for this my whole life [going sober].

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‘I felt safe after my first meeting. I felt like I belonged there after my first in person meeting. There is so much in the programme that should be taught in schools. I pass on bits to my kids. 

‘It completely changed me. It has the ability to change you as a person and it felt like I was waiting for this my whole life. Life will throw stuff at me still but now I deal with it in a completely different way. 

‘I went from not wanting to live to now wanting to squeeze every moment out of my life. I missed having some kind of faith. The programme was spiritual for me.’

She also opened up on how things went downhill so fast, explaining: ‘The public saw someone in control of their life and being fun. There was this battle between the public me and private me. 

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‘My drinking only really got bad in the two years up to my sobriety. I used it as a mood alterer. It eased the bridge from public me to private me. It was fun in lockdown and I was a bit hedonistic. 

‘But then it pulled the rug from under me and I knew I shouldn’t have been doing it. I was shocked how quickly it deteriorated. I never thought that would be me. I quite enjoyed the white lies as I got to create a different world that facilitated the drinking. 

Her fun snaps come after Ulrika opened up about how going sober felt like a ‘spiritual awakening’

The star is about to mark two years of sobriety after hitting rock bottom and wishing ‘the drink would take her’ (seen in 1989)  

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‘Deep inside I was hoping the drink would take me. That’s the only way I can articulate it.

‘I was hoping that one day it would just be so bad that I wouldn’t wake up.’

Back in January Ulrika revealed the harrowing phone call she got when her drinking spiralled out of control. 

Speaking in an emotional chat she recalled a tough conversation she had with her best friend at the peak of her alcohol struggles. 

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She said that although the conversation was ‘so shaming’ it was the moment that she knew something needed to change.  

Joining Spencer Matthews on his podcast UNTAPPED, she began: ‘It was awful. My best friend phoned me on a Saturday morning. 

‘She said, ‘I need to speak to you because I spoke to you at 4 o’clock yesterday afternoon and I could understand a f***ing word you said. You have a problem and I can’t help you.’

‘I was crying my eyes out because there was no way of avoiding it. She said, ‘This is coming from a place of love, but you need help.”

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Ulrika continued: ‘I still didn’t stop drinking, I had to drink on that conversation because that was so shaming. It was awful. 

‘I knew that she knew that I had a problem too. And I was said, ‘I can’t do this anymore.” 

The TV presenter credits the shocking admission from June 2024 for saving her life and rescuing her from the depths of addiction. 

Reports by a police force suggest that children as young as 10 were sold vapes

An off-licence store in Cambridgeshire will have its licence reviewed after reports of underage sales to children as young as 10. Cambridgeshire Police has requested that Peterborough City Council review the licence of Westgate News on Westgate, Peterborough following concerns.

This application was made by the force on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm. The application was requested after enquiries suggested that the shop engaged in “persistent and systemic sale of alcohol, vapes and nicotine products to children”.

The force has confirmed evidence that a 14-year-old girl was sold vodka, a vape, and a soft drink by staff on January 1, 2026.

During a compliance visit in January, several other license breaches were identified. These included: no personal license holder being present during alcohol sales, failure to maintain staff training records and failure to comply with CCTV retention requirements.

The force claimed it had received “consistent intelligence demonstrating a clear pattern of unlawful sales”. Intelligence intel received in June suggests that a 12-year-old child was sold a vape.

According to the force, the shop is described as “well known in school to sell vapes to children”. Cambridgeshire Police said this demonstrates that the store has “developed a reputation amongst school-age children as a reliable source of age-restricted products”. Reports dating back to 2025 indicated the shop sold vapes to students in school uniform, and to children as young as 10.

The application claims the premises has “continued unlawful activity despite enforcement” and “developed a reputation as a source of illegal underage sales”.

The licensing review application, submitted by Cambridgeshire Police, states: “The volume, consistency, and longevity of intelligence—combined with evidential incidents and enforcement action—demonstrate that this premises is systematically undermining the licensing objectives, particularly in respect of children.

“The latest intelligence confirms that these issues remain ongoing, necessitating decisive action by the Licensing Authority.”

Peterborough City Council’s licensing team will now respond to the force’s concerns.