The England team did our nation proud. We all feel a little bit better about English football now than we did a month ago and that’s something to celebrate.

For too long England has been timid about our national identity and whilst it should not be defined on the basis of a sport alone, I have long campaigned to see the St George Cross flying across our green and pleasant land. How wonderful it has been to see it displayed so proudly this past month. 

My one request to the people of Romford and England as we celebrate the team’s achievements and mourn the final hurdle: let’s keep the flag flying and celebrate England all year round, not just for football!