England supporters are already preparing for another huge World Cup summer. However, some fans may be unaware that displaying the national flag at home could lead to significant fines if they do not follow official rules correctly.
The Three Lions head into the tournament carrying major expectations once again. England are still searching for their first major trophy in 60 years, while many supporters view Thomas Tuchel’s squad as one of the strongest in the tournament.
Players such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could play central roles during the tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
England are in Group L and will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama during the opening stage of the competition.
Therefore, excitement among supporters is already building rapidly before the first match.
Fans decorate homes, windows and streets with England flags during every major international tournament, and this summer will be no different.
However, supporters planning to display larger flags must follow strict government regulations.
According to The Sun, England fans could face fines of up to £2,500 if they breach rules connected to the Government’s Flying Flags Guide.
The guidance allows one flag on a vertical flagpole attached to the roof of a building.
Meanwhile, supporters must keep flags attached to the side of a building smaller than two square metres unless councils grant permission.
Supporters who want to display larger flags must position them on the roof rather than the side of the property.
There are also restrictions regarding advertising and additional messaging. Flags cannot contain promotional material, logos or extra text.
They are also not allowed to block official transport signage. Smaller displays remain permitted in most cases.
Flags hanging from windows and bunting featuring the England flag are allowed under current guidance.
However, supporters would still need council approval before attaching flags to public street furniture such as lamp posts. The government guidance states:
“Two flags on the same flagpole projecting from any part of a building are permitted provided one of the flags is from category (a) such as a national flag and that flag is flown in the superior position.
“Otherwise, only one flag on a projecting flagpole on a building is permitted. The flag may not exceed 2 square metres in size.”
Councils can reportedly order supporters to remove flags if they break the regulations.
Initial penalties can begin at £100, while repeated offences may eventually rise to fines worth £2,500.
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