FOR years it was the flag that never flew. So the sight of ten thousand St George's crosses fluttering from five thousand foreign cars is uplifting.

But this scenario would not be truly English without the intervention of a killjoy. Bang on cue, drivers are told they could be fined £2,500 for this patriotic gesture.

Quite rightly, football-mad motorists are determined to keep their latest accessory, at least until England come home with the cup. And the spoilsports can go stick it up their flagpole.

Updated: 10:36 Wednesday, June 09, 2004