To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders
Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications
Thomas Tuchel has responded after again being asked whether he will sing the national anthem during his first England match.
Next week, former Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Tuchel will take charge of England for the first time since replacing Gareth Southgate.
On Friday morning, the German revealed his first England squad, and there were some shock selections, including recalls for Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford.
Advert
Ahead of the match against Albania, which will take place at Wembley next Friday, Tuchel was asked whether he will sing the national anthem before kick-off.
During his first press conference as England boss, Tuchel stated that he had not made a decision on the matter.
However, a decision has now been made.
Tuchel said: "First of all, you have a very powerful, emotional and meaningful national anthem and I could not be more proud to be on the sideline and be in charge of the English national team.
Advert
"It means everything. But I can feel because it is that meaningful and it is that emotional and it is so powerful that I have to earn my right to sing it. I feel that it is not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches."
He continued: "I will earn the right with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly and by creating a feeling where maybe even you guys [in the media] say at some point: ‘Now it’s time that you sing it. It feels like you properly earn it and you’re a proper English guy now!’
"Maybe I have to dive more into the culture and earn my right from you, from the players, from the supporters, so everyone feels like: ‘He should sing it now, he’s one of our own; he’s the English manager, he should sing it.’"
Advert
When asked if he knows the words to 'God Save The King', Tuchel replied: "Yeah. It’s not hard."
England will take on Albania next Friday before facing Latvia on Monday, March 24, with both matches taking place at Wembley.
