England's football players will line up for God Save the King before every World Cup match this summer, with the Three Lions hoping to sing it all the way to next month's final. But is it time to ditch the current national anthem and replace it with something new?
Debate Over the Anthem
The topic has been circulating on social media in the build-up to England's first match, with critics claiming the anthem does not best represent the nation. They suggest it is too heavily focused on the Royal Family and should instead concentrate more on England as a whole.
Not every English sports team uses God Save the King as their anthem. At the Commonwealth Games, England uses Jerusalem as their anthem when athletes pick up gold medals, and that song is also played at Test cricket matches, alongside God Save the King.
Potential Replacements
Jerusalem is one of the potential options England could change to, with Land of Hope and Glory and I Vow To Thee My Country also contenders. Land of Hope and Glory used to be England's anthem at the Commonwealth Games but was replaced by Jerusalem following a public vote.
It comes after the Scottish, Brazilian, Mexican and even US national anthems received plenty of praise for the way they were sung during the opening round of World Cup matches. But is it time for a change? Have your say in our poll on England's national anthem below.
Thomas Tuchel's Stance
Another point of anthem contention surrounding England at this World Cup is Thomas Tuchel's participation. The German coach has vowed not to sing God Save the King ahead of England's matches at the tournament, unless the Three Lions reach the final.
When asked if he plans to sing God Save the King ahead of the Croatia contest, he said: "Not yet. I think we are not there yet. At the very end maybe. I am still a bit shy. I don't want to offend people and don't want to have the focus on that now."
Pushed on whether he has picked up the words since joining, he laughed: "It's not so difficult."
Tuchel is the third foreign coach to manage the national team, with Sven-Goran Eriksson and Fabio Capello having come before him. The much-loved Eriksson did sing the anthem during his time as coach, but Capello opted against doing so.
Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now.
