Euro 2020: Boris Johnson hints at possible bank holiday if England win final against Italy

He was also quizzed about the possibility of manager Gareth Southgate being knighted if England triumph on Sunday and about whether he can learn anything from the football boss’s leadership qualities.

Mr Johnson described the 2-1 semi-final win over Denmark as a “total nail-biter” after cheering on the England team from the stands at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday evening.

England are now just one historic win away from their first major silverware since 1966’s World Cup final victory over West Germany.

Speaking after the Wednesday win, Mr Johnson wished the national team the “very best” ahead of Sunday’s 8pm final.

When asked about the possibility of a bank holiday on Monday, July 12, or shortly afterwards, the Prime Minister added: “I think that would be tempting fate, let’s see what happens.”

The Prime Minister was also asked if he could learn from the England manager’s leadership style and if it could soon be Sir Gareth Southgate.

Mr Johnson, whose own leadership qualities have been questioned after he failed to sack Matt Hancock, who later resigned as health secretary, told broadcasters: “I obviously wouldn’t want to anticipate anything that the honours people may decide.

“But clearly I think Gareth Southgate has done an absolutely outstanding job.

“What seems so amazing to me is how he varies it, he mixes it up and plays a different series of options depending on the match in question.”

A spokesman for the Prime Minister said employers who are able to should be flexible about allowing staff to go into work late on Monday or to take the day off if England are victorious,