Lee Carsley hit back at the furore surrounding his decision not to sing the national anthem as interim England boss, declaring “this doesn’t make me any less committed”.
Carsley led the Three Lions to a 2-0 Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland in his first match in charge, but opted against singing God Save the King with his players.
“It hasn’t affected my day or my preparation,” Carsley explained. “I respect people’s opinions but it’s something I have never done. This was one of the proudest days of my career. I don’t feel aggrieved. Equally this doesn’t make me any less committed.”
Carsley, who was born in Birmingham but made 40 caps for Ireland during his playing career, considers himself Irish and did not sing the English national anthem when he was in charge of the Under-21s.
The FA have already insisted that not singing the anthem won’t be held against him in their pursuit of replacing Gareth Southgate, but sections of the fanbase were furious at his decision.
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