Thread by @sunny_hundal

I think the England football team are teaching something important.

For the right, they are creating symbols of a new English identity: comfortable in its diversity and tolerance (pro-LGBT, pro-BLM).

For the left, they illustrate what progressive patriotism looks like.
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Naturally, this is why some on the left and right are uncomfortable.

Some right-wingers fear the #ENG team is mainstreaming cultural values they dislike. Some on the left fear the team are popularising 'jingoism' or nationalism.

Both strands are (deservedly) being left behind

What’s interesting is how sport stars are (again) leading this nation building.

When I was growing up, being British and the Union flag were controversial among minorities.

But Linford Christie, Natasha Danvers, Amir Khan, Kelly Holmes and other British athletes changed that.

Now, being English and flying the St. George's flag is, in some quarters, seen as controversial.

The England football team are changing that.

Again, through deliberate and careful national-building. And full credit to Gareth Southgate for it.

For too long, ethnic minorities in Britain have let our identities be defined by the far-right.

We did not want to call ourselves British b/c of the BNP. British athletes changed that.

Now some say they can't call ourselves English b/c of the EDL etc. #ENG are changing that.

What we're seeing this summer, in my opinion, is nation building at its finest.

For that alone we should be immensely grateful to @GarethSouthgate and his team. 🙌🏽

We've got Punjabis dancing in the streets of Wolverhampton with the St. George's flag.

We've got Muslim kids at school watching the game and singing "it's coming home".

This is a new era. Times have changed.