England boss Lee Carsley 'has lost the nation' after insisting he won't sing national anthem
Lee Carsley
PA
England interim boss Lee Carsley has been told he has lost the entire nation after revealing he will not sing the national anthem on his managerial debut.
The Three Lions travel to Dublin to take on the Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday night.
Carsley played for the Republic of Ireland during his playing days, making 40 caps over 11 years for the country, despite being born in Birmingham.
He qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland through his grandmother but as he prepares to take charge of his first England game since being placed in interim charge, Carsley has revealed he will not be singing the national anthem.
Lee Carsley has said he will not sing the national anthem
PA
It has caused fury among the fanbase, including from ex-Premier League footballer Jamie O'Hara, who spoke out on social media.
He wrote on X: "What’s people take on Carsley not wanting to sing the national anthem?
"That to me is ok cya later then, you’ve just lost the entire nation before you’ve even kicked a ball, thanks for coming Lee."
O'Hara is not alone and plenty of fans are not happy with Carsley and his refusal to sing 'God Save The King', including GB News commentator Alex Armstrong.
He said on X: "Sven Goran-Eriksson sung the national anthem and he wasn’t even from our country.
JUST IN: Jannik Sinner apologises on court after breaking little-known rule in Jack Draper clash
"I don’t care if Lee Carsley played for Ireland, but if there’s a political reason you he won’t sing the national anthem then he should quit."
And GB News commentator Kelvin McKenzie was also furious, saying: "With some old cobblers about wanting to focus on the game, Birmingham-born but capped by Ireland, the new England football manager Lee Carsley says he won’t be singing the national anthem at our international with Ireland tonight.
"England cannot have a British born manager who doesn’t sing our anthem. It’s as simple as that.
READ MORE: US Open star Jack Draper makes Emma Raducanu feelings clear after Martina Navratilova criticism
Lee Carsley is set to take charge of his first England match
PA
"An insult to many and will become a major distraction . Thank you for your service Mr Carsley and goodnight. God Save The King."
Carsley is one of several coaches who could be hired as the next England manager.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Lee Carsley played for Republic of Ireland during his playing days
PA
The former Birmingham and Everton midfielder has stepped up from his role with the Under-21s to fill Gareth Southgate's shoes, who resigned after the Euro 2024 final defeat in the summer to Spain.
Other managers in the frame include Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, as well as Graham Potter annd, perhaps more audaciously, Pep Guardiola.