Putting harmless rivalry aside, it occurred to me over the weekend that our attitude to England's current success is influenced greatly who and what we associate with being English. Some people on here have brought up the evils of the British Empire, others have described individuals in the media and the behaviour of some England fans have been mentioned.
For my part, I base my views on having lived in 5 different counties in England (including London), the 900 colleagues I currently work with (the vast majority being English), my friends, acquaintances and the neighbours I have had over the last 40 years. They are as far removed from Empire-builders, exploitative industrialists and plastic chair-throwing thuggery as I am.
No-one is obliged to support our rivals but the average Joe in Taunton is not that different to his counterpart in Tonteg.