Gareth Southgate gets National Anthem lyrics ‘printed out’ for England stars

Gareth Southgate has printed out the words to the National Anthem and urged his stars to sing loud and proud before England’s round-of-16 clash with Germany.

The Three Lions boss believes a stirring rendition of God Save The Queen will inspire the 45,000-strong crowd expected inside Wembley on Tuesday night.

England have come in for criticism for not singing the National Anthem in the past, but that hasn’t been a problem under Southgate, with players belting out the lyrics loud and proud.

And now the 50-year-old wants to capitalise on his side’s home advantage by getting his stars to gee-up the Wembley crowd.

An England source told The Sun: “In previous tournaments, players have been seen half-heartedly mumbling the lyrics — some even remaining closed-mouthed.

“Gareth is hugely patriotic and feels it’s essential that players foster a sense of national pride by learning and singing the words.

“He sat the players down before the tournament and explained cameras would be on them the whole time and that it was essential to show fans just what it means to pull on an England shirt.

Do you think England will beat Germany on Tuesday? Let us know in the comments section.

“If the players sing, it inspires the crowd and those watching at home.”

Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewis is unlikely to be involved from the off against Germany on Tuesday.

But the Everton forward is in no doubt that a rousing rendition of the National Anthem has the ability to drive England on.

He said: “It’s an unbelievable. My first experience playing for England with fans was the friendly against Austria this month.

“That was the first time I heard the National Anthem as a player and got to sing it as a player with fans in the stadium — it gave me goose bumps.

“So playing in the Euros, with 40-odd thousand singing it in the stadium, it’s going to make a massive difference.

“It gives you that extra boost and it’s just a very proud moment.”

Source: Read Full Article