Writing an op-ed for The Telegraph, Douglas Murray, political commentator and author of The Madness of Crowds, said the flag of St George has had a transformative effect on the country. Following England’s tremendous victory over Denmark in the semi-finals of the Euro 2020 tournament, Mr Murray posits both the political left and right have been united under one banner.

       Mr Murray explained the many reasons for the success of flag-waving.

       “One is simple enjoyment in the success of the England team,” he said.

       “Another is relief at having something communal to celebrate after a year of terrible, enforced isolation.

       “But it also feels as though another lesson is being learned or relearned.

       “Our country seems to be remembering the positive sides of national identity.”

       Cheers resounded across the nation on Wednesday night following England’s brilliant 2-1 victory at Wembley.

       The victory means the English team will head to the final of the tournament for the first time in 55 years.

       The 1966 World Cup stands alone as the only time England have won either the Euros or the World Cup.

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       This Sunday, fans are sure to blow the national horn again as England takes on Italy - a team unbeaten since September 2018.

       Mr Murray continued to explain that while the feeling of nationalism can be abused, it can also be “a force for great good.”

       He said: “Our era has focused relentlessly on the negatives. It has interrogated our past through an endlessly hostile lens.

       “People are made to feel as though there is something not just embarrassing but actually negative about singing national songs or flying the national flag.

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       “This abandonment of national feeling is a great mistake.”

       Mr Murray posits the feeling of national belonging is the strongest way to bring people together and over the Euros this has been especially obvious.

       He added the upcoming national game is where “the hopes and dreams of a whole people come together – even for a moment."

       “We all focus on the same ball, we all focus on the same goal. There is nothing bad about this," he said.

       “It reminds us that there can be things that unite us and that they should survive off the pitch as well as on it.”