Coach Thomas Tuchel is considering singing the national anthem at next year’s World Cup. The England manager previously said he had to earn the privilege of singing ‘God Save the King’ after taking on the role. And now the Three Lions’ first German manager has guided his team to next summer’s trip to the United States after a flawless qualifying campaign.
Tuchel admitted he was enjoying the position and beamed when asked if he felt he had earned the right to sing the national anthem at the World Cup. “You think it’s already there,” Tuchel replied. “I’ll think about it. Well, maybe. Let’s see.”
The national anthem was controversial after caretaker manager Lee Carsley, who played internationally for the Republic of Ireland, announced that he would not sing ‘God Save the King’ while in caretaker manager.
This caused considerable debate and criticism, and the issue became a hot topic after the Football Association subsequently appointed a German as England manager.
Nevertheless, Tuchel managed the situation deftly, indicating that he would make a decision at a later stage in his early days in office, declaring in March that he must earn the privilege of singing the song.
Tuchel said last year: “You sang the national anthem in a very powerful, emotional and meaningful way. I couldn’t be more proud to be on the sidelines and take charge of the England team. It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you.”
“But I can feel it because it’s so meaningful and emotional and such a powerful anthem that I have to earn the right to sing it.
“I’m going to earn it with results, by building the group, doing my job well, and maybe even creating a mood for you guys at some point to say, ‘Okay, it’s time to sing, I feel like I need to make some real money, and you’re a good Englishman now!'”
Tuchel may shout “God Save the King” at next summer’s World Cup.
