ANDY BURNHAM CALLS WORLD CUP BANK HOLIDAY TALK PREMATURE

Andy Burnham has described speculation about an additional bank holiday should England win the World Cup as premature. Speaking to LBC, the Makerfield MP stated the team had work to do before serious consideration could be given to such matters. Burnham remarked that England "struggled" in their 2-1 victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Wednesday and suggested the nation might be "getting ahead of ourselves". He added that a "very big game" against Mexico lay ahead before talk of bringing the trophy home could be justified.

The World Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at 8pm UK time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. England face Mexico in the round of 16, having advanced from their group stage match. Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter, told Andrew Marr that he does not back anything in football, including England's prospects. He stated: "We do have to live in hope. I think it might be a bit premature to be speculating. It would be a fantastic moment, wouldn't it, and we can hope and pray that."

The Government has announced that pubs across England and Wales will be permitted to remain open until 5am during England's clash with Mexico, which kicks off at 1am on Monday. This extension follows calls from MPs for opening hours beyond the 2am already granted for other England matches. Burnham is expected to be formally declared Labour leader on July 17, with his assumption of the premiership scheduled for July 20, should no other candidates emerge.