(ANSA) – ROME, 07 SEPTEMBER – Lee Carsley made good on his promise to remain silent during the England anthem in his first game as interim manager of the national team, with God Save The King cheered by the home fans at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Carsley, the 40-time Republic of Ireland captain, said on the eve of the Nations League game that he did not intend to sing the anthem before the game, something he has never done as a player or as England Under-21 manager. The 50-year-old explained that he had always focused on the game in progress rather than the national anthems.
As he emerged from the dressing room he initially went to the Irish dugout, then headed towards the England bench with his coaching staff at his side as the players were lined up for the English and Irish anthems. All 11 players in Carsley’s starting lineup for the Nations League opener were seen singing the lyrics to God Save The King. (ANSA).