England v USA 12Th June 2010

I can actually identify with Pete Jones' post in many ways. Mind you, if I saw others' nationalism up close, I’d probably find fault so perhaps I’m simply not nationalistic irrespective of whatever my nationality might be. Indeed, in the case of Scotland, I’m sure all that sentimental tartantry and kailyard might nag after a while. Irish rebel songs? Hmm, maybe during the youthful years but sticking it up the Black and Tans might lose its appeal by middle age (or maybe not). Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau? Fantastic, love it, but I guess my attitude to Welsh nationalism might depend on where I grew up in Wales.

As for England, speaking as someone who neither believes in God nor has any time for the monarchy, I was never going to be an enthusiast for God Save the Queen. Land of Hope and Glory is an interesting one because I like a bit of Elgar – he was a Wolves fan, don’t you know? – and much prefer the idea of a song about a place rather than who happens to be sat on the throne at the time. But, on the other hand, it does get a trifle British Imperialist in places (“wider still and wider shall thy bounds be set”) and might not be quite the tune for 21st century Africa. Indeed, I notice it’s been replaced as England’s Commonwealth Games tune by Jerusalem which would get my vote even after all those school speech days (does anyone else remember Hoppy, in his inimitable fashion, drumming the lyrics into us?). Not sure about chariots of fire and swords in hands, but I’m sure it’s all allegorical leaving even the sniffy lefties amongst us to find something to our liking. There again, perhaps we could follow Australia’s lead by kicking out the dirge completely and going for something more multicultural in the way they did with Advance Australia Fair?

Do I understand you are effectively advocating the expulsion of me from my own country?

I didn't realise we were living in a dictatorship...

Well we have been for the past four weeks, hadn't you realised?

chelstongull whilst it remains our anthem i agree sing it with pride,but i would love to have an anthem and a bit of bulldog spirit thrown in the mix,to give us a bit of ooomph,god save the queen has neither,and this isnt aimed at the monarchy at all

Right everyone wants to Aussie bash lets redress the balance a bit! Your keeper is crap, NOT WORLD CLASS, see Merse two can play that childish game! It`s not very becoming though is it?

Is that what happens when you live in the Big Smoke? You have to refer to people as a certain type of news paper reader, it appears to the normal person as a different way of labelling someone or putting them into a box, i.e. slagging them off indirectly. It`s cheap and tacky, keep up the good work!
Edit: If I remember correctly I`m a Sun reader according to Merse that equates to pure scum!

should be "Chelston, Chelston lend me your grey hair"