With England set to take on Spain in the EURO 2024 final, new research reveals that a quarter of Brits are likely to pull a sickie on Monday after cheering on the Three Lions.
Ahead of the final of EURO 2024, new research reveals that a quarter of Brits are likely to pull a sickie from work on Monday after cheering on the Three Lions in their final match against Spain.
The study, by Paddy Power Games, asked the nation how likely they would be to fake an illness to take the day off work on Monday, with 25% admitting so.
More than 4.7 million football fans, equating to 7% of the nation, would definitely fake ‘sickness’ after watching England compete to lift the coveted trophy.
When it comes to the perfect excuse, it’s the younger generations who have their excuses at the ready as 42% of Millennials and 38% of Gen Z confess they would be likely pull a sickie after a heavy night cheering on the England squad.
The study also asked Brits what excuses they would most likely use with one in 10 claiming the perfect excuse is a “headache/migraine” (11%). Being in pain (7%) was the second most popular excuse (ouch), with 5% have no hesitation saying they have diarrhea, completing the top three knowing it’ll invoke no follow up questions.
The top-five excuses Brits would use for pulling a sickie post England game:
| Rank | Reason for sickie | % of UK population |
| 1 | I am suffering from a headache/migraine | 11% |
| 2 | I am in pain | 7% |
| 3 | I was sick last night | 6% |
| 4= | I have got diarrhea and have been trapped on the toilet | 5% |
| 4= | I have got food poisoning from eating dodgy food | 5% |
| 5= | I overslept | 3% |
| 5= | I am locked in the bathroom because the lock has broken | 3% |
| 5= | I am suffering with a contagious virus e.g. chicken pox | 3% |
| 5= | Fell over | 3% |
When it comes to which area of the country is most likely to pull a sickie, over a third (36%) of Londoners admit they might not make it into work the day after England play. Residents in Manchester (34%) and Bristol (27%) follow closely behind making up the top three locations most likely to bunk off work.
Rachael Kane, Paddy Power spokesperson said: “As EURO 2024 enters its final stage and the England men’s team push towards lifting their first major trophy in 58 years, fans are heading out in their droves to support the Three Lions.
“With a quarter of Brits likely to pull a sickie on Monday, it looks like the only thing getting more exercise than footballers’ legs, is the nation’s creative excuses!”
