At Euro 2024, every one of England’s starting XI throughout the tournament sang God Save the King.
However, this has not always been the case.
In 2022, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold was criticised by some for failing to sing the national anthem before a Nations League defeat by Hungary in Budapest.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney often did not sing the national anthem, particularly before he was given the armband.
The Football Association backed Rooney’s decision.
“Whether a player wishes to sing the national anthem or not is purely a personal choice,” an FA spokesperson said in 2012.
But former Manchester United captain Gary Neville says he chose not to sing the national anthem because he was told he “must” sing it by former FA chairman Geoff Thompson in 1995. , external
“I didn’t sing it the first time I played for England,” said Neville.
“Partly because I thought, I’m serious about my work and I’m not singing before a game.
“He [Thompson] only ever sought out one conversation with me.
“Did he want to pick my brains on World Cup preparation? Or ask how the FA could help behind the scenes? No, Mr Thompson wanted to know why I didn’t sing the National Anthem.
“I’m not being told by some suits what to do.”
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