England Told to Ditch ‘God Save the King’ Before Matches

Having also produced news content for HITC Sport and Read Liverpool, he has created a wide range of content for GMS, including news, opinion, features, lists and viral sport content.

His passion for sports extends further than football, as he has covered several sports for GMS, including Boxing, Tennis, and Wrestling. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account The 2026 World Cup has brought national anthems into the spotlight as the pre-game routine has seen everyone get involved in belting out their country's chosen tune.

Each player and nation have different preferences when it comes to their national anthem. For example, Spain players no longer sing their anthem as the lyrics have been removed. Meanwhile, Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo stands sideways while singing his nation's song.

England players stand together and sing the words to 'God Save the King' before matches. While the song about the Royal Family technically isn't the 'national anthem', it's effectively treated as one. But that doesn't mean it's popular.

In fact, a poll carried out by Express Sport has suggested the majority of English supporters would rather not be subjected to the anthem before they watch their country play. When asked to vote on whether 'God Save the King' should be replaced, a staggering 55% believe it should.

Out of the 4,000 voters, 1,902 were in the camp that believed the tune shouldn't be scrapped, with the remainder wanting change. Of those who are in favour of replacing the pre-match song, 15% think it should be substituted for 'I Vow To Thee My Country'.

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Another 40% chose 'Jerusalem' by Sir Hubert Parry and Sir Edward Elgar. However, the majority (44%) went for a song written in 1901 and used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010. That is, of course, 'Land Of Hope And Glory'.

So there's a fairly even split between the potential replacements, but most people appear to want to see the back of the current anthem. Thomas Tuchel, on the other hand, wants Oasis' Wonderwall to be his team's post-match song.

Tuchel is unlike those asking for change, as the German boss has already labelled it 'a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem'. Speaking in March 2025, he stated:

"I think, first of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sidelines and be in charge of the English national team."

But you won't catch Tuchel belting out the anthem before England matches, for the time being at least. Instead, the ex-Chelsea boss feels he should earn that right.

England have a long list of songs and chants, all of which will be sung at major tournaments. Check out our guide for the complete songbook.

When asked why he doesn't join in, he said: "It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it."