England fans complain about butchered national anthem
England fans couldn't believe what they were hearing on Thursday night, as the singer in Naples butchered God Save the King ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy.
Gareth Southgate's men kicked off their campaign to make it to Germany in just over a year's time, by taking on current European champions Italy.
The last time the two sides met in a competitive fixture was the final of the Euros in 2021, with Roberto Mancini's side winning at Wembley.
They'd failed to make the World Cup last year, making them even more determined to qualify for next summer's Euros and defend their title.
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Ahead of kick off, fans of the Three Lions were left utterly bemused by Gareth Southgate's decision to start Kalvin Phillips in central midfield alongside Declan Rice.
The Manchester City player has only played 56 minutes of Premier League football all campaign, after moving from Leeds United, and not much more football in other competitions.
But they all seemed to forget about their feelings on the starting line up ahead of kick off, as the two sides lined up for their national anthems.
Whoever it was that sang God Save the King clearly didn't impress the fans, with many taking to social media to slaughter her rendition.
"Wanted for crimes against the national anthem," said one.
"England national anthem butchered by someone who didn’t know the tune, words or timing," added a second.
"I don’t think I’ve ever heard a worse rendition of the national anthem in all my years on this earth," noted a third.
Continuing the theme, a fourth supporter opined, "Whoever this is singing the national anthem for England is embarrassing. Disgraceful."
A fifth fan laughed, "Congratulations to that lady for the worst ever rendition of England's national anthem."
I'm literally dying of embarrassment on her behalf.
— Lee Harris (@addicted2newz) March 23, 2023
That national anthem was awful. Deary me. 😂#ITAENGpic.twitter.com/wy0iq8fyTG
England's national anthem isn't traditionally considered one of the better ones anyway, but she really didn't help anyone enjoy the song.
Italy's national anthem is thought of far more favourably, but even they weren't able to get away from criticism, as the two men appeared to perform a poor pop version of the classic.
"This poor woman singing on the pitch absolutely butchering the English national anthem then two blokes absolutely murder the Italian national anthem what is going on," said one fan.
"A weird pop version of the Italian national anthem: not for me. Somehow ruined a classic," added a second.
A third compared it to a very niche English entertainment pair, noting, "Italian Dick & Dom with the tune changed & played via a 1990s karaoke machine."
Clearly the England players were able to put the songs at the back of their minds, as Declan Rice opened the scoring in just the 13th minute of the game.
Ryan Sidle