1 week Ago By [email protected] (Matt C Jones)
The interim England manager caused a media stir by not singing the national anthem before Saturday's game Former England and Everton striker Gary Lineker has shared his dismay at the ongoing debate surrounding Lee Carsley and the national anthem. Carsley, the current England interim head coach and ex-Republic of Ireland international, did not sing God Save the King before his first game in charge on Saturday. Carsley, also a former Blues player, has stepped into the role to replace Gareth Southgate and got off to a winning start on Saturday.
England beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Dublin after goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish. Matters off the field have been a big talking point though, as Carsley said ahead of the game that he would not be singing the anthem. "I was really focused on the football and I have taken that into coaching," he explained pre-match.
"We had the national anthem with the Under-21s also and I am in a zone at that point. I am thinking about how the opposition are going to set up and our first actions within the game. "I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries.
It's something I am really respectful of." Reflecting on the criticism that has come Carsley's way from some quarters, Lineker said on The Rest is Football (h/t the Daily Telegraph ) podcast that the anger has been bizarre. "Crikey, they do like to stir things up, don't they?" the Match of the Day host said of the media backlash.
"I find it bonkers. I remember some players didn't sing because they're too shy. I used to kind of sing a bit but not too loud because my voice is terrible.
I always felt a little bit self-conscious singing on a football pitch, didn't feel comfortable with it. "I don't know. I just think it's a bit weird.
" Lineker's co-host Alan Shearer, another former England international, was in agreement. "You're going to be judged on bloody football results," he added. "It's not whether you sing the national anthem or not.
" Carsley has been handed the England role on a temporary basis after impressing with the England Under-21s. In 2023 he steered the team to glory at the European Under-21 Championship. England are in action again on Tuesday, when they will face Finland at Wembley.
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