Thomas Tuchel: Earning the Right to Sing England's National Anthem

England manager Thomas Tuchel has expressed that he must earn the right to sing the national anthem, God Save the King, before matches. The 51-year-old German coach, who recently named his 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia, stated that he will not sing the anthem in his initial games as England's manager.

Tuchel, who officially took over the role on January 1, 2025, emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of the anthem. "I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That's why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches," he said during a press conference.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager acknowledged the anthem's power and the pride he feels in leading the English national team. "It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you, but I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful, the national anthem, that I have to earn my right to sing it," Tuchel added.

Tuchel's approach contrasts with that of his predecessor, Lee Carsley, who faced criticism for not singing the anthem during his interim tenure. Tuchel, however, clarified that he knows the words to the anthem but believes he must first prove himself through "results, building the group, and doing my job properly."

He also hinted at the need to immerse himself more deeply in English culture to gain the acceptance of the players, supporters, and the public. "Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like 'he should sing it now, he's one of our own, he's the English manager, he should sing it'," Tuchel concluded.

Tuchel's first match in charge of England will be against Albania on March 21, 2025, marking the beginning of his journey to integrate into the team and the nation's football culture.