ENGLAND beat Germany to secure a place in the Euro 2020 Quarter Finals, giving hope to football fans that the team could go all the way.

Employers have been flexible about letting staff clock off early to catchgames so far – but what happens if the Three Lions win the tournament?

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After beating Germany 2-0 yesterday, England will play Ukraine on Saturday, July 30 at 8pm, meaning work shouldn't get in the way of the match for most people.

If they win, they'll then make it through to the semi-final on July 6 or 7 at Wembley.

Finally, it all ends at the Euro 2020 final in London on July 11- and many fans will be hoping for a day off in celebration if England win.

Could we get a day off?

Judging by the reaction to England knocking Germany out of the competition last night, there will be plenty of sore heads across the country if England go on to win.

There are hopes that the government will announce a national day off for July 12 if England are victorious.

Unfortunately there are set rules in place for the government to grant a bank holiday.

Given how soon the final is, and the fact that there are several more matches for England to win beforehand, it seems unlikely.

However, companies could take the opportunity to reward their workers with a day off – particularly following such a difficult year.

Marcus Beaver, UK and Ireland country leader at Alight Solutions, said: “England winning the Euros would generate a huge sense of national pride and could represent a good chance for employers to reward their workforce

“Businesses who offer Euros-related leave could reap the rewards of an appreciative and motivated workforce.

"All businesses can’t do this by any means, but it could be a wise move for some, who want to give staff morale a boost and demonstrate that the C-suite [executives] genuinely cares about workers on the ground."

Danielle Parsons, an employment lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, told The Sun: "Employers are looking at more ways to retain and attract the top talent, and after the year that we've had the football is a really topic for people to bond over".

Remember that there is no obligation for employers to give staff the day off after the final and it will be the decision of individual businesses.

Can you ask for the time off?

You've got nothing to lose by asking for the Monday following the match off, work, but it's not guaranteed until it's been confirmed by your employer.

The statutory notice period for taking leave is at least twice as long as the amount of leave a worker wants to take, plus 1 day.

For example, to take the Monday following the match off, you would have to give 3 days’ notice for 1 day’s leave.

But an employer can refuse a leave request or cancel leave if give as much notice as the amount of leave requested, plus one day.

You should also bear in mind that your employer may have their own rules about annual leave.

They may require a longer notice period or have restrictions on how many people on your team can be off at once.

Bill Richards, UK managing director at Indeed, said:“Football fans wanting to take time off work to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s team would be wise to have those conversations with their managers as soon as possible. 

“Although most 9-5 workers are entitled to 28 days’ paid annual leave a year — with part-time workers permitted to fewer days off — employers are not obliged to accept holiday requests and might take a dim view of last minute proposals.

“Employers should remember that while time off can help create a happy and therefore more productive workforce they risk a major own goal if they do not make their holiday policies inclusive and open to all.”

What are your rights on sick days?

It could be tempting to take a day off work sick after an evening celebrating the football results.

However, if your employer suspects that you're not genuinely ill the day after England wins the Euros, there could be serious repercussions.

This could lead to disciplinary action and even dismissal.

Matt Gingell, managing partner of law firm Lombards, said: "Employers could take disciplinary action and it could amount to gross misconduct."

However, the repercussions will depend on individual circumstances.

If you are genuinely ill, you may be entitled to statutory sick pay (SSP).

If you qualify, you'll get £96.35 per week, for up to 28 weeks.

To be eligible, you'll need to earn an average of at least £120 per week.

Usually you need to have been sick for at least four days in a row – including non-working days.

Sick pay is one of the rights employees are entitled to as part of their contracts, along with others such as maternity or paternity leave, rest breaks and time off.

But if you're self-employed or a contract worker, the rules about what you're entitled too are different.

You can find out more about the rules for SSP and how to claim.

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