GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed that the England squad have insisted on singing the national anthem as a team in Russia.
The Three Lions are preparing for the upcoming World Cup in a transitional stage with Southgate at the helm and talisman Wayne Rooney now out of the frame.
But the leaders among the squad have decided that the whole team will belt out God Save the Queen in the summer.
Speaking to LMA magazine, The Manager, Southgate said: “They are very personal emotions and you cannot force them on anyone.
“Our current squad did want to sing the national anthem and it was very much a decision they made for themselves.
“We have a squad of diverse talents and I want everyone to feel free to express themselves for England in the same way they do for their clubs.”
The former defender was a controversial choice to replace Sam Allardyce, with doubters highlighting his lack of top-level management experience.
But the ex-Crystal Palace man taps into his Euro 96 hell to help with his players, who will face serious pressure in the summer – no matter how low expectations are.
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He said: “I’ve been through pretty much everything you can go through in football, including that missed penalty at Euro 96.
“I have been in the spotlight and I have been to a tournament where I have played every minute, but equally one where I did not play at all.
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“So I can empathise with how my players are feeling.
“I’m also conscious not to put any more pressure on them than is necessary because they pressure they face as we go into the World Cup is going to be intense.
“I don’t need to add to the burden.”
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