ENGLAND fans have demanded a bank holiday despite the Lionesses heartbreak in the Women’s World Cup final.
Sarina Wiegman’s team fell to a 1-0 defeat in Sunday’s final against Spain.
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After a thrilling run to the final, including a 3-1 semi-final win over co-hosts Australia, there were calls for there to be a public holiday to commemorate the achievement.
Extra bank holidays have been granted by previous governments to mark special occasions, such as the Millennium and royal weddings.
And despite ultimately losing at the final hurdle, fans believe the Lionesses run to England’s first World Cup final since 1966 should still be given special recognition.
Taking to Twitter, one fan pleaded: “Can we still get the bank holiday?”
A second said: “It’s a bank holiday tomorrow for Our Lionesses right.”
“Can we now have a bank holiday,” asked a third.
A fourth declared: “We need a bank holiday to cry in our beer now…. Great job Lionesses. Just was not your day but done us proud.”
However, the government declared ahead of the final there would be no extra holidays regardless of the result.
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A sole goal from Olga Carmona – who was informed her father had tragically passed away after the final – proved to be the difference in the final.
But the Lionesses were hailed as heroes back home, with Mary Earps picking up the goalkeeper of the tournament award after saving Jenni Hermoso’s 67th minute spot kick.
FA President Prince William — criticised for not attending — wrote: “Although it’s the result none of us wanted, Lionesses you have done yourselves and the nation proud.
“Your spirit and drive have inspired so many people and paved the way for generations to come.
“Thank you for the footballing memories. Congratulations to Spain. W.”
Match of the Day host Gary Linker said he was “gutted” for England but added of Spain: “They were the better team and thoroughly deserved their victory.”
England boss Wiegman, who led England to last year’s epic Euros win at Wembley, admitted the best team won but insisted the heroic Lionesses could be proud.
She said: “I thought that Spain were a little better than us today and they had a great tournament, so congratulations to them.
“Of course it feels really bad now — very, very disappointed…
“When you get to the final you want to win, but in sports you can also lose.
“I think we can be so proud of ourselves now although it doesn’t feel like it at the moment.”
