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
Man Utd Would Love to Sign Elliot Anderson After Ederson
Manchester United dream of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest this summer, with Fabrizio Romano issuing a new ‘update’ on the situation on Monday lunchtime.
Man United are set to complete a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson a the beginning of July after reaching a total agreement with the Serie A outfit and the player over a four-year contract with the option of a further 12 months.
The 26-year-old is the first piece of the midfield rebuild puzzle, which could see three new faces arrive at Old Trafford for the position during the summer transfer window.
Three is the likely number if Manuel Ugarte joins Casemiro in leaving the club in the next few months, following a disappointing two-year spell in a red shirt following his £50m move from Paris Saint-Germain.
Ederson will be seen as a strong start to their summer business, but Red Devils chiefs will still want to land a top-class replacement for Casemiro, while they are being linked with some low-cost options from the Championship in Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney and Southampton star Shea Charles.
One name that has been identified as their number one target in recent months is Anderson, with Romano issuing the latest on the England midfielder.
Romano: Man Utd ‘Dream’ Signing Subject of Another Man City Bid
Man United would love to sign Elliot Anderson this summer as they look to create a new-look central midfield ahead of next season, but there are two big issues standing in their way.
One is the price tag, with Forest valuing him at way in excess of £100m, while the player’s preference is to join rivals Manchester City.
City have already had one bid rejected by Forest for the Three Lions star, but now Romano says they are about to launch another offer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday lunchtime, the journalist said:
“An update on one of the best midfielders around in this moment, and the player is Elliot Anderson, the midfielder from the English national team and from Nottingham Forest.
“Man United have been dreaming of the player for some time, but as I told you, at the moment my information has been the same. March, April, May, June, the club leading the race to sign Elliot Anderson is Manchester City, and remains Manchester City, because my understanding is that Manchester City are preparing a new official bid for Elliot Anderson.
“City feel that the player wants the move. City are prepared to offer a very important contract and salary to the boy. So, Man City are ready to go all in for Elliot Anderson.”
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Who Could Man United Sign Instead of Anderson?
A move for Anderson looks to be out of reach for United right now, but who could they sign instead of the Englishman?
Well, links continue with Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali, with previous reports in Italy suggesting that the Red Devils were ‘close’ to an agreement to sign the €100m-rated Italy international. There have been no recent developments, however.
Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is seen as the club’s ‘dream’ Casemiro replacement according to Romano, while links also continue with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham following their relegation to the Championship.
Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba has been a long-term target, and has already agreed personal terms, dating back to last summer, to make the switch to Old Trafford.
Sports
Lewis Hamilton Speaks Out About Kim Kardashian After Monaco GP Backlash
Lewis Hamilton has praised the support of his girlfriend Kim Kardashian after her appearance, for the first time at a Formula 1 Grand Prix, around the streets of Monaco this past weekend.
Kardashian headed out to Monaco with sister Khloe to support new boyfriend Lewis, having become public with their relationship in February and recently launching it on social media.
It wasn’t a completely smooth weekend for Kardashian, however, particularly facing backlash for how she responded to veteran commentator Martin Brundle’s iconic grid walk.
Kim Kardashian Criticised For Monaco GP Actions
Upon spotting them in the crowd, Brundle approached and asked how she was, and that ‘people usually have a quick chat with us.’ He was met with a blank stare and a wave before the sisters were ushered away from the cameras. This seemed to upset many fans over the weekend.
Someone wrote: “Kim Kardashian is not too good to talk to Martin Brundle. What a complete lack of class.”
Two Formula 1 Rules Kim Kardashian Must Follow While Supporting Lewis Hamilton
Kim Kardashian was at the Monaco Grand Prix to support Lewis Hamilton, but she broke a Formula One rule everyone has to follow.
“She was very rude not to even acknowledge him,” another user wrote.
Despite this, a lot of people were sympathetic towards Kardashian, with one saying: “I’m surprised Lewis didn’t pre-warn Kim Kardashian about grid lane etiquette and Martin Brundle interviews.”
While another said: “Her publicist should’ve prepared her for paddock traditions.”
Brundle’s grid walk has become an event all in itself on big race days, interviewing stars like Terry Crews, Jeremy Clarkson, and recently Colin Farrell. According to The Independent, all celebrities on the grid are expected to speak to Brundle when approached for an interview, given his status in the sport. Fans have come to expect chaos and laughs when Brundle roams around the cars with a microphone in hand, and they certainly got that at Monaco.
Hamilton had a great weekend overall, finishing second in the race not far behind eventual race winner Kimi Antonelli. This being his third podium of the season moves him up to second in the Drivers’ Championship, ahead of his former Mercedes teammate George Russell, but behind the runaway leader Antonelli.
Lewis Hamilton Speaks About Kim Kardashian’s Presence
Speaking to reporters post-race, Hamilton had this to say: “It is amazing to have her come this weekend and to have that support.
“It is amazing to have good people around you, good people supporting you, and she does that for me every day.”
The couple will no doubt be pleased with the weekend the Scuderia man has had, and with momentum building, it is on to Barcelona- Catalunya this weekend, where he will be hoping this fine form continues.
Sports
Tyson Fury’s Final Opponent Before Facing Anthony Joshua ‘Leaked’
The opponent for Tyson Fury‘s final warm-up bout before facing Anthony Joshua has been leaked, and it’s likely to cause controversy.
‘The Gypsy King’ has signed a contract to fight ‘AJ’ before the end of 2026, with the pair finally set to deliver one of the most-anticipated fights in British boxing history.
However, prior to Fury vs Joshua, both men will have warm-up fights. Joshua already has a clash with Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga booked for the 25th of July in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Fury has confirmed that he will also compete this summer. The 37-year-old is set to return to the ring on the 1st of August in Dublin, Ireland.
Identity of Tyson Fury’s Next Opponent Revealed
Details of his planned opponent for that bout have now emerged, and it’s safe to say that few will be expecting Tyson to have any problems getting the victory.
Per Boxing News, the former unified world heavyweight champion will face undefeated opposition in the warm-up bout. However, at 41 years old, Nelson Hysa is well past his physical prime.
Holder of the unheralded WBO Global Heavyweight Championship, Hysa is no stranger to Fury, with the pair having sparred together on multiple occasions.
The fight has yet to be officially signed, but the veteran heavyweight is said to be the leading contender to be Fury’s final obstacle before the Joshua clash, with final details now being worked out.
In truth, though, Hysa is a downgrade in terms of opposition compared to Arslanbek Makhmudov, who Fury beat easily in his comeback fight in April.
Tyson Fury Has Previously Shared the Ring With His Next Opponent
Curiously, Hysa is ranked as the best heavyweight in Albania, sitting just above Joshua’s warm-up foe, Prenga. However, it remains to be seen whether he will have the same level of ambition as his compatriot when it comes to their summer fights.
Prenga has vowed to ‘cancel’ Fury vs Joshua by knocking ‘AJ’ out in their July clash, stating:
“Brother, it’s like going from one to 100. Everyone will see on July 25 who I really am. They chose me as a warm-up fight for him and Tyson Fury but that’s not going to happen. I am going to cancel that, that’s for sure.”
Hysa may not be quite so keen to spring a shock. Not only has he trained alongside Fury, but he also recently became stablemates with Tyson, having signed with Frank Warren’s Queensberry Promotions.
Another clue the contest may have more of an exhibition feel comes in that it will serve as the co-main event on a card headlined by Pierce O’Leary vs Mark Chamberlain for the IBO Super Lightweight Championship.
If, as expected, both Fury and Joshua come through their respective fights, all eyes will be on the fight the world really wants to see as the two biggest names in British boxing finally settle their differences.
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