The World Cup flag mistake that could leave England fans facing a hefty fine | OneFootball

The Three Lions will be supported in their droves both at home and Stateside

With the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico getting underway this week, anticipation across the globe is building for what is often dubbed as the 'pinnacle' of football.

For the first time ever, the World Cup will also include 48 teams in its group stage, which has allowed some nations to partake in the tournament also for the very first time.

That said, plenty of discourse leading up to the 23rd edition of the global sporting event has not just been about what could happen on the pitch, with thousands of supporters feeling as though they have been priced out of the chance of supporting their country towards glory, or at least a strong amount of progress into the knockout stages.

It will come as no surprise to some as to who is predicted to win the tournament, with the likes of Brazil, France, Spain and the winners of Qatar 2022, Argentina, just a quartet of sides heavily fancied for various reasons.

Then, of course, there is England, with the hopes and dreams of the country now firmly on the shoulders of German boss, Thomas Tuchel, who was appointed in October 2024 following the departure of former Middlesbrough manager, Sir Gareth Southgate, in the wake of the UEFA Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain in Berlin.

The Three Lions have gone almost 60 years without a major honour, having come fairly close to ending such a well-documented drought under Southgate, reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, as well as back-to-back heartbreaks in the Euros finals, with the first coming against Italy at Wembley five years ago.

Yet, while supporters of Championship, League One and League Two sides will also hold an interest in the performances of players representing their clubs, as well as their own nations, on the world stage, the government have also issued advice which could leave fans at home paying a strong price if unfollowed.

England fans urged to follow Government advice on flags during World Cup - six-figure fines could come their way otherwise

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Indeed, while supporters attending England's matches in Group L of the World Cup against Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Dallas, Boston and New Jersey, and touchwood, beyond, will be seen in their droves with flags that potentially also showcase their club allegiances, thousands, if not millions, back home will likely follow suit, irrespective of where they choose to watch the encounters on TV.

However, there are notes on the UK Government's website, titled the 'Flying Flags Guide', which gives direct instructions on how the St George's Cross can be attached to various frameworks.

The guide states that there are nine flags which do not require consent to be flown, as well as how they can be seen flying on buildings.

Two flags can be permitted on the roof of the building on the same flagpole, permitting one of those to be one of the nine which does not require consent, and that it is flown in a superior position.

Otherwise, only one is permitted, and whilst the size is unrestricted, unless in 'controlled areas', which have limits of 0.3 and 0.75m height restrictions depending on circumstances, which include outside lampposts and furniture.

Further guidance is then offered on how flying flags on parts of buildings, such as sides, instead of a roof, can be permitted, and that consent is required if, again, in 'controlled areas'.

However, no flags are allowed to obstruct transport signage or company advertisements, and failures to comply with such guidelines after advice from local councils, will see fines start at £100, although in some cases, could rise as high as £2,500.

England will hope to give the country a summer to remember

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As previously mentioned, plenty of focus will be on the Three Lions, as well as fellow 'home nation' qualifiers, Scotland, throughout the tournament, although the former will, naturally, be expected to progress further due to the pool of talent at Tuchel's disposal.

Despite boasting a relatively strong record during his tenure thus far, the former Chelsea boss certainly split opinion when his 26-man squad was confirmed, largely due to the omissions of players such as Harry Maguire, Adam Wharton, Morgan Gibbs-White, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden.

And, whilst the extremely intense heat across the Atlantic is set to play a strong part in all matches throughout the World Cup, the 52-year-old and his team will hope all associated with the national team are given a summer to remember, and one where their support can be showcased without any criticism or unwanted - and perhaps previously unknown - personal punishments.