Multiple reports say Downing Street is not flying the St George’s flag for England’s early games in the World Cup, marking a departure from a tradition previously followed by the prime minister’s predecessors. One outlet reports that the Prime Minister makes the decision not to display the flag during the early stage of the tournament and that the change is linked to the way the flag has been used at previous England matches. The reports also note political reaction from Conservative figures, who criticize the approach and describe the Prime Minister’s position using partisan language. However, the accounts agree on the core point: No 10 breaks with the prior practice by not flying the national flag for the early World Cup fixtures. The overall coverage focuses on the symbolism of the flag at England games and the response it triggers, rather than on any wider policy implications.