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Everyone says it's arrogance, but that doesn't make sense, given that the over riding English sentiment is anxiety and desperation. Reading the media you might well build up a picture of arrogance, and seeing the well publicised behaviour of many of the traveling fans you would build up a poor picture of the supporters for sure.
But there's a particular level of resentment of England across the board which seems to stem from more than just awful media and traveling fans, which also aren't unique to us.
I see why you say colonial history, but do other colonial powers get this level of spite? It feels similar to anti USA sentiment in other sports, but with the arrogance argument superimposed for effect.
Pretty much this (Finn here). The penalty added to it, but it is the arrogance, and the fans which cause the most hate.