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Gareth Southgate Prints Out Words To National Anthem For England Stars Ahead Of Germany Clash

Gareth Southgate Prints Out Words To National Anthem For England Stars Ahead Of Germany Clash

Southgate believes a rousing rendition of ‘God Save The Queen’ will inspire the 45,000-strong Wembley crowd.

Thomas Harvey

Thomas Harvey

England's players shouldn't need much motivation when they take to the field to play Germany, but Gareth Southgate is leaving no stone unturned.

The England boss has printed out the words to the national anthem and called on his Three Lions to sing with pride.

Southgate believes a rousing rendition of 'God Save The Queen' on Tuesday will inspire the 45,000-strong Wembley crowd to roar his team to victory.


Image: PA
Image: PA

All coaching and backroom staff have also been encouraged to learn the words.

As per The Sun, a source is quoted as saying: "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.

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

"There has been some ribbing for the more tone-deaf players, but it's been great for team spirit."


Dominic Calvert-Lewin said last month: "My first experience playing for England with fans was the friendly against Austria.

"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 goosebumps.

"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."


Image: PA
Image: PA

Before England's Euro 96 semi-final against Germany at the old Wembley, players and fans alike belted out God Save the Queen - a clip of which recently went viral.

Southgate famously missed a spot-kick that night as England went out on penalties, while they were also defeated by Germany in the 1990 and 2010 World Cups.

However, England go into Tuesday's game as slight favourites and will face either Ukraine or Sweden in the last eight.

Southgate is set to ring the changes for the clash with Germany with Jack Grealish and Bukayo Sako set to be replaced by Mason Mount and Phil Foden despite impressive displays against the Czech Republic.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Euro 2020, England, Germany, Gareth Southgate