Former England boss Sam Allardyce has spoken candidly on Lee Carsley after he refused to sing the national anthem.
The Three Lions interim coach took charge of his first games since stepping into the role to replace Gareth Southgate earlier this summer.
But in both Nations League matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland, Carsley refused to sing God Save The King - as is customary for international managers.
England fans were furious with the former Birmingham midfielder, who played for the Irish during his playing days despite being born in England, while Allardyce has now had his say.
Lee Carsley refused to sing the national anthem against the Republic of Ireland and Finland
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Speaking on Footy Accumulators No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, the Premier League legend said: “I sang it. I was so proud to sing it when I was in that position, it gave me heart palpitations I tell you. But obviously, he’s got that Irish connection.
“I don’t know who he would have upset if he sang it, would he have upset the Irish more? I don’t think so.
"He was born in England, he’s an Englishman - with Irish grandparents.
"But then there must be pressure from his parents to say ‘You can’t by any stretch of the imagination’.
“When we’ve had a foreign coach they’re never gonna sing it, and some players won’t for whatever reason - because we’ve got all this stuff that goes on and it makes you ask why.
"Why is it even news? It’s not news, is it? The news is that England played well and they won.
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“It didn’t bother them when he wasn’t singing the national anthem when he was under-21s manager and they won the tournament.
"I hope he’s sat down with Gareth and the England camp and they’ve told him what he’s going to be facing.
"That’s what I did a lot before I got in that position. He’s got that intrusion to put up with now, he won’t know what’s coming.”
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Sam Allardyce had his say on Lee Carsley snubbing the national anthem
PA
While Carsley might have caused controversy over his stance on the national anthem, his tactics were spot on over the international break.
England won both games 2-0 - with Harry Kane bagging twice against Finland on his 100th cap.
Carsley has been tipped for the full-time job as England boss with Graham Potter and Eddie Howe still among those being considered.
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But Allardyce reckons Carsley has some way yet before he can be named Three Lions manager.
He added: “I think he’s got to win another couple of games and the FA will be happy to give him the position full-time.
"He’s got a very talented squad and he’s walked in and made his own impact.
“He’s picked different players, he’s put them in the team and they’ve delivered.
"Most England players always deliver in games like these, it’s more about when we get to the latter end of the competition where we haven’t quite cracked it yet."
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