Sports
Gary Neville Explains Why He Didn’t Sing English National Anthem
A member of England’s so-called ‘Golden Generation’ has explained why he didn’t sing the national anthem during his playing career.
The topic of singing the national anthem has been a contentious talking point since Gareth Southgate’s departure as England manager in 2024.
Former England interim manager Lee Carsley explained why he chose not to sing God Save The King back in September 2024, while current boss Thomas Tuchel followed suit after his appointment one month later.
The German tactician insisted “I have to earn my right to sing it” back in March 2025. Tuchel is not expected to change his stance during this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gary Neville Explains Why He Didn’t Sing National Anthem
One member of England’s Golden Generation – the star-studded squad blessed with world-class players under Sven-Goran Eriksson, who reached three consecutive major tournament quarter-finals between 2002 and 2006 – was former Manchester United captain Gary Neville.
The legendary right-back made 85 appearances for England between 1995-2007 and went on to work as Roy Hodgson’s assistant during the ill-fated period between 2012 and 2016.
Speaking to his former teammate Rio Ferdinand on Rio Ferdinand Presents, Neville explained why he chose not to sing the national anthem as a player.
“I absolutely loved playing for my country,” Neville said. “I know people say at times I didn’t sing the national anthem. It was a mistake, that. I’m stubborn.”
He continued: “The idea of coming out and having to sing broke my routine. It broke my routine and I thought, I can’t, I’ve just got to focus. My first pass, the duel I’m about to encounter, my first tackle, my positioning on the pitch. I’m thinking about the game, and me and Steve McManaman didn’t sing the national anthem in the first game of Euro 96. We didn’t sing it in any of the games.
“And I always remember an FA councillor came up to me after the game in the dressing room. He said, sing the national anthem. And you can imagine an FA councillor coming up to me telling me to sing the national anthem. I’m not being told what to do. I dug my heels in and I was stubborn and I didn’t do it.
“But now, when I was a coach for England and now when, for instance, the national anthem’s being sung, I’m singing it. So I would sing it now in the summer when England play in the tournament. So now I see the way in which it’s interpreted, that that’s me not being patriotic.”
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Neville went on to highlight various difficulties that he experienced as an England player, including being booed and suffering abuse from fans at the old Wembley.
He also highlighted how his brother Phil was abused after Euro 2000, his best friend David Beckham was vilified after France 98, and his Man Utd teammate Wayne Rooney was also criticised following his red card against Portugal at the 2006 World Cup.
“Every time I saw a United player in a tournament get abused, I just dug in a little bit,” Neville added. “Manchester United at that time became a little bit anti-England.
“I felt there was an anti-Manchester United situation with England, but I absolutely loved playing for my country. I never retired from England. I always said I would never retire because if my country need me, I go.”
Sports
Leeds Confident of Completing Deal For Shea Charles
Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a third summer signing following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.
Wilson joined the Peacocks as a free agent after leaving Fulham following the expiration of his contract. The Welsh attacker had been in high demand after a season which saw him post 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.
Leeds have made Muharemovic the second-most expensive Bosnia-Herzegovina player in history after spending £34 million on him. The young defender arrives from Serie A club Sassuolo after representing his country at the World Cup.
Leeds Close in on Shea Charles
Next up for Leeds appears to be Southampton’s Shea Charles and TEAMtalk claim that a deal for the Northern Irish midfielder is nearing completion. There are reportedly “hopes growing that an agreement is close” and that the 22-year-old will be headed to Elland Road.
Charles caught the eye throughout last season, particularly in the FA Cup after the Saints shocked Arsenal with a 2-1 win. He is a versatile midfielder who operates mostly as a defensive midfielder.
The former Manchester City academy star appeared 38 times across competitions last season, registering six goals and two assists. The Whites’ latest proposal is believed to be a £23 million down payment, with a further £2 million in add-ons.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Leeds Spending Could Reach £99M
With Charles likely to be the next arrival at Elland Road, attention is likely to turn to a new goalkeeper. Ilan Meslier and Karl Darlow have both left, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as free agents.
The report claims that James Trafford is one of the serious options for Farke between the sticks, but Leeds are one of several clubs set to make a firm approach. Currently away at the World Cup with England, the 23-year-old has been deputising for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.
A lack of football is likely to lead to a departure and Manchester City are “anticipating some concrete offers” for the former Burnley shot-stopper. The Peacocks are showing strong interest and if they were to sign the Englishman, that could take their spending to £99 million.
Sports
Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’
David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.
It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.
That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.
Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola
Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.
Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:
“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”
Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:
“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”
Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool
If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.
The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.
Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.
Sports
Liverpool Sources ‘Confirm’ Interest in ‘One of the Best Wingers in the World’
David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.
It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.
That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.
Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola
Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.
Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:
“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”
Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.
The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:
“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”
Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool
If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.
The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.
Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.
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