Boma Achenimie 
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, former England internationals, have come to the defence of Three Lions manager, Lee Carsley after he faced criticism for not singing the England national anthem before their game against Ireland in the Uefa Nations League.
Lineker, speaking on “The Rest Is Football” podcast, expressed his surprise at the controversy, stating, “Crikey, they do like to stir things up, don’t they?! I find it bonkers.
If someone chooses not to sing it doesn’t matter…” He shared his personal experience, “I remember some players not singing because they were too shy. I used to sing a bit but not too loud because my voice is terrible.”
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Shearer, another former England international, sided with Lineker, saying, “You’re going to be judged on football results, not whether you sing the national anthem or not.”
The two former players emphasized that Carsley’s decision not to sing the anthem should not be a focal point, and his performance as a manager should be evaluated based on the team’s results.
This support from former England greats comes after Carsley faced backlash from fans for his choice not to sing along with the anthem, with many expressing shock and disappointment.
However, Lineker and Shearer’s comments highlight the notion that a manager’s success should be measured by their team’s performance on the pitch, rather than their personal choices during pre-match rituals.
