Little did they realise it at the time, but the thousands of people who draped England flags from their homes during the World Cup were breaking the law, an anomaly the government has now pledged to address.
Under current planning regulations, it is illegal to fly any national flag without permission from the local council, unless it is hung on "a single vertical flagstaff".
As part of a shake-up of planning rules connected to advertising, the government is issuing new advice to councils allowing any national flag to be flown without permission, however it is displayed.
