The 2026 World Cup has brought national anthems into the spotlight as the pre-game routine has seen everyone get involved in belting out their country’s chosen tune.

Each player and nation have different preferences when it comes to their national anthem. For example, Spain players no longer sing their anthem as the lyrics have been removed. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo stands sideways while singing his nation’s song.

England players stand together and sing the words to ‘God Save the King’ before matches. While the song about the Royal Family technically isn’t the ‘national anthem’, it’s effectively treated as one. But that doesn’t mean it’s popular.

Three Lions Urged Into Pre-Match Anthem Change

Cody Grubbs (Sipa USA via Reuters)

In fact, a poll carried out by Express Sport has suggested the majority of English supporters would rather not be subjected to the anthem before they watch their country play. When asked to vote on whether ‘God Save the King’ should be replaced, a staggering 55% believe it should.

Out of the 4,000 voters, 1,902 were in the camp that believed the tune shouldn’t be scrapped, with the remainder wanting change. Of those who are in favour of replacing the pre-match song, 15% think it should be substituted for ‘I Vow To Thee My Country’.

Another 40% chose ‘Jerusalem’ by Sir Hubert Parry and Sir Edward Elgar. However, the majority (44%) went for a song written in 1901 and used at the Commonwealth Games until 2010. That is, of course, ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’.

So there’s a fairly even split between the potential replacements, but most people appear to want to see the back of the current anthem. Thomas Tuchel, on the other hand, wants Oasis’ Wonderwall to be his team’s post-match song.

Why Thomas Tuchel Doesn’t Sing the National Anthem

Tuchel is unlike those asking for change, as the German boss has already labelled it ‘a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem’. Speaking in March 2025, he stated:

But you won’t catch Tuchel belting out the anthem before England matches, for the time being at least. Instead, the ex-Chelsea boss feels he should earn that right.

When asked why he doesn’t join in, he said: “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.”

The midfield market this summer is booming, and Manchester United are in the thick of it, as the club looks to improve their central ranks for next season.

A deal has already been agreed to sign Ederson, who will be the first key addition to the centre of the park, while moves are being lined up for other options.

While Elliot Anderson is likely to snub the Red Devils in favour of rivals Manchester City, there is interest in Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali that is being stepped up in the coming weeks.

Those deals could prove costly, however, so Man United have another possible transfer target in mind for the window.

Man United Eye Tyler Adams Deal

A fresh target on the radar for Man United appears to be USMNT and Bournemouth star Tyler Adams, as Caught Offside claims the club are eyeing a potential deal for the midfielder.

The Red Devils are joined by Premier League rivals Chelsea in the hunt for the ‘incredible’ 27-year-old, who has impressed for both his club and country in the past year.

Adams, who featured 26 times for Bournemouth last season, has a contract at the Vitality Stadium until 2028, meaning he enters the final two years of his deal and could prompt an exit.

It’s claimed the Cherries aren’t actively looking to complete a sale for the midfield general, but an offer could tempt them into considering a move.

An offer around the £30 million could prompt discussions, but it’s unclear whether Man United will formalise their interest and push for a transfer this summer.

Any deal could come after the World Cup this summer, where Adams has played every minute for the USMNT during their home tournament.

Both displays were impressive, picking up wins over Paraguay and Australia, with his performances potentially having an impact on the summer transfer window.

Tyler Adams Would Be A Smart Signing

While some of the big names on the market are set to move for huge transfer fees this summer, Man United could land a smart signing in the form of Adams.

The 27-year-old has become a Premier League regular, with plenty of quality off-the-ball that helps add some intensity to the central midfield.

This is reflective of his World Cup stats so far, playing a ball-winning role for the USMNT that has led to fans describing him as “impressive”.

There may be some hope that Adams can keep pushing on to become a leading midfielder in the Premier League, though there are naturally some concerns surrounding his injury record.

That may all have to wait until after the World Cup, as USA have progressed to the round of 32, and could make quite a dent into the tournament this summer.