England's national football team has long sung 'God Save The King' before matches, but the national anthem has become a source of debate, with 55% of respondents in a Daily Express survey backing a change to either 'Jerusalem' or 'Land of Hope and Glory'. The poll, which garnered over 4,000 responses, revealed that 45% (1,902 people) want to keep the current anthem, while 55% desire a replacement.
England's Anthem Debate Intensifies During World Cup
The discussion has gained momentum since the World Cup kicked off, with questions raised about whether 'God Save The King' is rousing enough or if a long-standing tradition should be altered. England does not have an officially recognised national anthem, leading to variations across sports. In rugby, England previously performed 'Land of Hope and Glory', while the cricket team uses 'Jerusalem' at domestic Test matches.
The football squad has consistently opted for 'God Save The King' (or 'God Save The Queen' before the monarch's change). Similarly, Scotland, also competing at this World Cup, lacks an official anthem and uses 'Flower of Scotland', having replaced 'Scotland the Brave' in the 1990s.
Survey Results: What Would Replace God Save The King?
Among those who want to drop 'God Save The King', 40% chose 'Jerusalem' (by William Blake and Hubert Parry), while 44% selected 'Land of Hope and Glory' (by Edward Elgar, used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010). Only 1% voted for 'I Vow to Thee My Country'. Many believe 'Land of Hope and Glory' better encapsulates the nation and offers a more rousing, patriotic anthem than one about the Royal Family.
Scotland's passionate rendition of 'Flower of Scotland' after their 1-0 victory over Haiti—their first World Cup win since 1998—ignited renewed discussion in England about needing a more stirring tune.
Oasis 'Wonderwall' Emerges as Post-Match Anthem
England head coach Thomas Tuchel expressed hope that Oasis's 'Wonderwall' could become a post-match anthem for the Three Lions during the World Cup in North America. The 1998 Britpop hit was sung by both fans and players inside AT&T Stadium after England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. Tuchel said: "Hopefully, it becomes an anthem because that's exactly what a tournament like this is for. It's for the connection between fans and the team—they felt the energy, the team spirit. It was a beautiful moment and it meant a lot to all of us. Hopefully, we can recreate this in the next game."
