I thought Scotland the Brave was a good example of an anthem that celebrates the country without dwelling on anything that would offend other nations (even the English! :-)), so I thought maybe we could base an English anthem on that. Here's my first attempt at the first verse:

ENGLAND THE BRAVE

Hark where the night is falling
Hark hear the owls a-calling
Loudly and proudly calling down thru the dale
There where the hills are sleeping
Now feel the blood a leaping
Thanks to the spirits and the old English ale

Anyone like to write the next bit?

:-)