So, what makes England great?

Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date online: 30 June 2010

ENGLAND might have crashed out of the World Cup, but we can still enjoy great pubs, Sunday roasts and a soothing cup of tea to raise our spirits.

These are on a new list of 50 things which are typically English. The survey of 5,000 people also came up with the less than positive traits of moaning, political correctness, working long hours and wanting our sportsmen to fail. Reporter Karen Doherty insisted on positive thoughts only when she asked town centre shoppers what they think makes England great.
“We have got our freedom, that’s the main thing, we can worship where we please,” said Ann Icely (69), from Middleton, who admitted that she was not that patriotic.

And Hugh Regan (48). from Fitton Hill. added: “It’s the cities, Manchester, Liverpool and London, and the people.”

HRH fan Patricia Rose (65), from Coldhurst said: “I love the royal family, I am very much a royalist. I am just proud to be English, that’s the top and bottom of it.

“People aren’t patriotic enough. The only thing that gets people going now is the World Cup but they should show it all year round.”

And Paul Smith (40), from Shaw, added: “We went to York this weekend and that’s a nice historic city, something to be proud of.”

“Sport” was the answer given by 17-year-old Robert Wilman, from Milnrow, who said: “We invented all the sports, cricket, golf, football. When we do have a world cup, when we are still in it, everyone is up for it.”

Friend James Oldham, also 17 and from Milnrow, added: “We are such a small country but we have got some of the best brains in the world.”

Despite the drubbing by Germany, 47-year-old Steve Clarkson, from Hathershaw, said: “Optimism. We are optimistic, we have got to be. The 2012 Euros now, we have got to move on.”

But Bryan Cunliffe (64), from Moorside, feels more British than English while wife Janis (62) explained: “I am proud of being English, of the Royal Family.

“The NHS is something to be proud of. If you are really ill they do give you the care. Everyone complains, but I think it is al lright. I also think we have got a good education system.”