Malcolm 'Smudger' Smith, a fervent England football fan, has transformed his home into a beacon of national pride by covering it with a gigantic England flag. As the Three Lions prepare for their first World Cup match, the country is gearing up to display the St George's Cross on pubs, homes, and cars.
Smith emerged as the winner of a colossal 24-foot-wide and 12-foot-high England flag, described as a 'monster,' in a giveaway held by Newton Newton Flags LTD in Burgh le Marsh, Skegness. The prize was awarded on June 8, just in time for the tournament.
To put the flag's size into perspective, it is as long as three-and-a-half Peter Crouches lying down or as high as two Dan Burns stacked on top of each other. Smith's house is sure to become a local landmark once the flag is hoisted.
A spokesperson for Newton Newton Flags LTD said: 'The team has been picked… and once again, the hope of a nation rests on those famous Three Lions shirts. For a few unforgettable weeks, the country will come together like nothing else matters. Pubs packed shoulder to shoulder, gardens filled with friends and family, flags hanging from every window, and millions holding their breath with every kick of the ball.'
The spokesperson added: '1966 gave us history. Now, 60 years later… let 2026 become the new 1966. The anthem of the summer will once again be ‘It’s Coming Home’ and we want to see England backed in the biggest way possible. So we’re giving away a huge England flag - and when I say huge, I mean huge. The flag will be digitally printed and professionally finished with eyelets every 12”/1ft/30cm around all four sides.'
Across the nation, Brits are getting into the World Cup spirit. In Dereham, Norfolk, Paul Sandford has built a giant grandstand at The Railway Tavern, costing over £6,000 and holding around 400 people. With additional standing room, over 700 fans can watch the Three Lions in authentic stadium style. The grandstand, built by a team of scaffolders over a week, includes a VIP area with table service and an American theme.
'I've had interest from all over the country,' said Sandford. 'Loads of people want to come and watch the games here. We're already fully booked up. It's really exciting. This is going to be the ultimate place to watch England this summer. It will be a festival of football.'
