Harry Kane and England have boosted the nation with their spirited performances in the World Cup, but one minor detail has left many dejected: the pre-match ritual of singing God Save The King. According to Garry Bushell in an opinion piece published on July 10, 2026, the UK national anthem feels out of place for England matches, especially when compared to the anthems of other home nations.
England's Triumphant Performance Against Mexico
Bushell describes England's victory over Mexico as one of the best performances he has ever seen, highlighting drama, commitment, wonder goals, Jude Bellingham at his best, a red card, and England winning with ten men against the odds at the Azteca stadium, where Mexico had not lost since 2013. This achievement has filled fans with pride and confidence.
The Anthem Debate: God Save The King vs. Jerusalem
However, the joy is marred for Bushell by the choice of anthem. He notes that Wales has Land Of My Fathers, Scotland has Flower Of Scotland, but England is lumbered with the United Kingdom's national anthem, which he describes as a dirge—plodding, repetitive, with a dull melody and lyrics focused on the monarchy rather than the people. He argues that football is the people's sport and deserves an anthem reflecting the English spirit.
Bushell proposes Jerusalem, with William Blake's 19th-century words and Sir Hubert Parry's 20th-century composition, as a far more rousing and majestic alternative. He posted a rant on TikTok that garnered 600,000 views, 27,200 likes, and nearly 1,000 comments, with many supporting the change, including comments like 'Jerusalem would be legendary' and 'Jerusalem is an absolute banger'.
Other Anthem Options and Fan Sentiment
Other options mentioned include Oasis's Wonderwall, which fans and players have adopted for the duration, and the 1996 Britpop classic Three Lions, which charted seven times and reached Number One twice. Bushell also acknowledges New Order's World In Motion and Cock Sparrer's England Belongs To Me, but asserts that nothing compares to Jerusalem in terms of breadth of appeal, emotion, and class.
Bushell suggests that many in authority have a disdain for England, citing examples like Lady Nugee scoffing at a white-van driver's display of the cross of St George, Andy Burnham calling himself British rather than English, and councils removing English flags. He questions why Welsh and Scottish patriotic sentiments are acceptable while similar English expressions are deemed right-wing by the cultural elite.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
Bushell concludes by urging the FA to kick God Save The King into touch and adopt Jerusalem for England matches. He calls for the lionheart spirit to send Norway home in their Viking longboats, ending with a rallying cry: 'Come on, England!'
