The flags are flying across Huddersfield.

But will they be flapping dismally come 1am tomorrow, after England’s opening match against Italy in the 2014 World Cup?

There has been an outbreak of patriotic fervour across Huddersfield, with pubs, cars and homes being decorated with the Cross of St George.

It is a spectacle which happens every time England’s footballers are taking part in a big tournament and, for most, it is a shortlived affair as the competition dreams end in nightmares.

University of Huddersfield expert Dr Andy Mycock has studied “Englishness” in all its forms for some time.

He said: “The World Cup will once again allow people from many communities in England to express pride in their national football team.

“In my lifetime I have witnessed the popular embrace of English patriotism during sporting occasions such as the World Cup, and the Cross of St George is now flown with pride from many houses, cars, and pubs.

“Indeed it has become such a banal feature of public life in England that it now barely raises comment. I would argue we should supplement this outpouring of sporting pride (and fatalism) with an English national anthem – Jerusalem being the most popular choice – that players and football patriots alike can bellow with pride.

“The vast majority of those expressing their Englishness through football are not seeking to make a political point and we should support public expressions of support for the team without concerns about far-right extremism.

“This noted, we should also be considerate of those who raise a quizzical eyebrow at these moments of national sporting fervour. They will hope life quickly returns to normal once England crash out at the quarter-final stage on penalties”.

England flags outside Rhubarb, Queensgate, Huddersfield

Visitors to the Queen’s Tavern in the Imperial Arcade may think they have walked into the heart of Rio thanks to a makeover by sporting-mad staff.

False grass and country flags surround the bar, whilst customers will be hoping for the chance to drink out of two world cup replicas which are sat at either end of the serving areas.

They have also combined elements of the other major sporting events which will coincide with the World Cup, Wimbledon and Tour de France’s Grand Depart.

Giant tennis balls and rackets cover the walls and a yellow bike is suspended in the centre of the room.

The impressive displays were created by staff members Paul Taylor and his partner Andrew Lindley.

Paul said: “With it being all three events around the same time we thought it would be great if we celebrated them all.

“We’re very pleased with how it’s all turned out and we’ve had a great response from our customers.

“We like to make the most of any big event that’s gripping the nation but I think that this is one of the best we’ve done so far.”

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