England interim Lee Carsley responds to anthem fuss after Ireland win | Football News

Lee Carsley says he was unimpressed by the reaction to his failure to sing the national anthem ahead of England’s 2-0 win over Ireland.

Life after Gareth Southgate began in the second division of the Nations League at a sold-out Aviva Stadium, where the 50-year-old played his first game since being temporarily promoted to first-team coach after being promoted from the Under-21s.

Carsley set up an impressive victory over the country he played for 40 times, while the England interim manager discussed his decision not to sing God Save the King.

The former midfielder said on the eve of the Group B2 match that he had never sung a national anthem as a player for the Republic or as England manager, and he would maintain that stance when the countries meet on Saturday.

Asked about the reaction to his comments after Saturday’s win in Dublin, interim coach Carsley said: “It’s had absolutely no impact on my day or preparation.

“I found out this morning. I totally respect people’s opinions. It’s something I’ve never done, but I totally respect both anthems.

“Today would probably be one of the proudest days of my career, leading an England team in Dublin. You absolutely couldn’t have written it.

“I don’t feel disadvantaged or wronged. I respect everyone’s opinion.

“I’ve played on teams where players sang the anthem next to me, but I’ve also played on teams where players didn’t sing, or coaches. I don’t think it makes me or anyone who doesn’t sing any less committed.

“Like I said, I was looking forward to it so much and it’s the proudest day of my football career. You really couldn’t have written it down.

“I saw the draw a while ago and I thought to myself, ‘That’s going to be a really good game’. And then you go back two weeks and it dawns on me, ‘Okay, yes, I’m going to take over the team – the first game is in Dublin’.

“I knew it would be a good experience, but also a bit of a test.”

Later at the press conference, Carsley reiterated that he completely respects everyone’s opinions and “would never judge anyone based on whether they sing or not.”

“I had a great time playing for the Republic of Ireland and I now have a very good experience of the responsibility that I have as interim head coach of the first team,” he said.

“You have to accept that there is a bit of judgement involved. I don’t feel disadvantaged by it. I respect everyone’s opinion and we move on.”

England welcome Finland to Wembley on Tuesday, buoyed by a controlled Nations League victory that was more convincing than the 2-0 scoreline suggests.

Declan Rice defeated the Euro 2024 finalists by impressively ignoring the anger that came his way after switching allegiance after three Ireland caps.

Jack Grealish has faced similar criticism after representing the Republic at under-21 level, when he cleared a pass from Rice in a fine first half.

“I’m pleased but not surprised,” Carsley said of the duo. “I think they’ve both been in football long enough to understand and respect that it would be a bit hostile at times, but in the right way.

“I thought the fans were really respectful about it. I thought they both handled the atmosphere really well, as did the whole team.

“We tried to say it was going to be a high tempo for everyone, not just Dec and Jack. Obviously it’s great for both of them to have scored the goals, but more importantly the team won and they kept a clean sheet.”

Carsley’s own Irish past provided an amusing pre-match moment when the former midfielder found himself on the wrong bench at the Aviva Stadium.

“I went through the tunnel and turned right,” the former Republic midfielder said with a smile.

“As you know, I’ve spent a lot of time on the couch, so I know exactly where that is!

“Then I realized there was no one on it and the other coaches were on the other bench. So it was resolved quickly.”