Boris Johnson is to wait for the dust to settle on the Three Lions penalty shoot-out defeat to Italy before marking the side’s achievements.

       A No10 spokesman said: “We’ll be talking to the FA to identify a suitable way for the Prime Minister to thank the players and coaching staff for their efforts. But a bank holiday is not something that is being considered.”

       More than 364,000 people signed a petition calling for an extra bank holiday yesterday.

       In the run-up to Sunday’s final Mr Johnson ruled out declaring one because he did not want to “tempt fate”. Instead, many employers and school heads allowed staff and pupils to enjoy a lie-in.

       National holidays are created by royal proclamation, with the Queen advised by ministers to declare one.