An English legend Gary Lineker has defended Lee Carsley’s refusal to sing the national anthem, labeling the backlash ‘bonkers’ and ‘a bit weird’.
Carsley did not join England’s players and coaching staff in singing God Save the King for the Three Lions’ opening game against the Republic of Ireland.
In the build-up to England’s 2-0 win in Dublin, Carsley – who was capped 40 times by Ireland – told the media that he had always opted out of pre-match tradition during the game.
Carsley’s decision has divided opinion among fans and pundits, with Harry Redknapp telling the 50-year-old interim manager that it should be considered a ‘must’ if he were to take the position permanently.
However, former England striker Lineker has downplayed the importance of Carsley’s behavior in the dugout, encouraging critics to focus on football issues.
‘Crikey, they like to stir things up, don’t they?!’ Lineker spoke on The Rest Is Football podcast.
‘I found it bonkers. If someone chooses not to sing, that’s fine…
‘I remember some players who didn’t sing because they were shy. I used to sing a little louder because my voice was bad.
‘I always feel like singing on the football pitch, I don’t feel comfortable. I don’t know, I just think it’s a bit strange.’
Alan Shearer appeared to agree with Lineker, arguing: ‘You’re going to be judged on bloody football results, not whether you sing the national anthem or not.’
Looking at England’s more peripheral players, Lineker feels Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold is the player who offers the best chance of selection against Finland on Tuesday night.
He explained: ‘I will go with Trent Alexander-Arnold. His passing range…
‘They will benefit from a team that plays up front and if you play in the halves. Yes, England will be vulnerable to counterattacks, but don’t worry. Brave, bold in football.
‘Pep (Guardiola) has shown that, (Jurgen) Klopp has shown that with Liverpool, (Mikel) Arteta has shown it at Arsenal. You go and play on the opposition side and give yourself a bigger chance.’
Lineker was ‘encouraged’ by England’s opening performance under Carsley and hopes fans start focusing on Alexander-Arnold’s positives rather than his defensive weaknesses.
‘You can’t read too much into the first game but I thought it was really encouraging,’ he continued.
“Great to see Trent in the side, some great passes, especially the one he caught for Anthony Gordon which led to the first goal. What a pass!
‘It just struck me, I just thought, “How is this guy not in the team somewhere?”, he’s so good.
“All we focus on is Trent’s weakness when it comes to England and defence, maybe it’s wrong. He can make one, but he can give you two or three chances to score because he’s so good with the ball at his feet.
‘It’s encouraging, the start is really encouraging, but they only work with the players for a few days.’
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