Andy Burnham says England's World Cup run is uniting a divided nation ahead of Norway quarter-final

Andy Burnham has said England’s World Cup campaign is cutting through political division and bringing the country together, writing in an exclusive piece ahead of the Three Lions’ quarter-final against Norway.

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, who is on course to succeed Keir Starmer as Labour leader and Prime Minister on 20 July, said the “entire country is on that rollercoaster together” as Tuchel’s side pursue a first World Cup title in 60 years.

“Sometimes it can feel like these moments, when the entire country comes together, are few and far between nowadays,” Burnham wrote. “That’s why this World Cup has made me feel hopeful. Not just because Harry Kane has brought his shooting boots and Jordan Pickford is having the tournament of his life. But because the whole country feels like it’s going on the same journey together.”

Burnham, a lifelong Everton supporter who grew up in a Liverpool-supporting household in Culcheth, said football had given him some of the best moments of his life. He argued the game carries a unique power to create a sense of community and place, from pub five-a-side teams to Kane stepping up to take a penalty on the world stage.

“These are our teams, forged in our communities, representing our places,” he said. “In moments like this, it reminds us of how much we have in common” — a sentiment he framed as especially significant given what he described as a decade of political turbulence.

Burnham secured the backing of 322 Labour MPs to become party leader and is expected to formally take over from Starmer on 20 July — the day after the World Cup final, should England reach it.

The prospect of a bank holiday to mark a potential England victory is also gathering momentum in Westminster. Asked about the idea at the NATO summit earlier this week, Starmer told reporters: “On the question of a bank holiday, I don’t want to jinx it, but ask me again if we get to the final.” Downing Street is understood to be preparing for the possibility, with a Friday bank holiday following the final the most likely option.