Join together

Even though Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, and Wales are not nations, they have national football teams; the United Kingdom, on the other hand, is a nation but lacks a football team.

This strange state of affairs undermines an appropriate sense of British unity. How do I know? I saw more English flags in London during the brief run-up to the World Cup than Union Jacks in London over the last two years.

To rectify the situation, I propose the following. First, at the conclusion of the World Cup, no matter the outcome, the Welsh, English, Scottish and Northern Irish football teams shall be disbanded. Second, the United Kingdom football team shall be formed. Third, the United Kingdom shall play its home matches in rotation among the four regions of the country. Fourth, the United Kingdom shall achieve more success in the World Cup than one championship and one fourth place every century. Fifth, provincialism shall shrink and British pride shall swell.

I have outlined a proposal. I am sure that others can improve upon it.

SCOTT VARLAND

Eskdale Gardens

Purley, Surrey