I don't know that it's an English thing. My English guy is more open and honest with (and willing to talk about) his feelings than the red-neck good-old boys I dated in small-town USA. Of course, he grew up surrounded by women, as his Dad passed away when he was quite young, which may have something to do with it.
There are so many things you can do to try and open him up, including just sitting down and telling him how you feel, and how his shut-mouth makes you feel. Of course, you would need to do it in a way that he is not feeling "attacked".
A friend of mine played 20 questions with her hubby, and it helped a lot. Here are the rules:
You ask a question (something "deep" rather than his favorite colour). He responds, then you answer the question you just asked him. Next, he asks a question, to which you both answer.
You can do this all in a one-er, or, ask the question in the morning, then both of you are prepared with an answer to give over dinner. The next day, a new question is asked. It gives you almost a month to open up to each other.
Questions can be along the lines of "you fondest childhood memory" "when did you first fall in love, and WHY" "favorite book...and WHY".
Good luck! I'm sure others will have some great ideas for you from thier own experience, too!!