The red cross on a white background is an instantly recognisable emblem of England.

During international football and rugby tournaments, the flag hangs from pub ceilings, flutters from taxi bonnets, and is painted on the faces of fanatical supporters. It is waved at the Last Night of the Proms, and flown from church towers on St George’s Day (April 23).

Its use goes back to the Hundred Years War, when George was adopted as England’s national saint, and his name used as the English war cry. He has also since given his name to two awards for bravery, one of which – the George Cross – was famously awarded to the whole island of Malta for its people's bravery during the second world war.