Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem

Lee Carsley discussed the national anthem controversy after England's win over Ireland. (Image: ITV.)

Lee Carsley hit back at the furore surrounding his decision not to sing the national anthem as interim England boss, declaring: "This doesn't make me any less committed."

Carsley led the Three Lions to a 2-0 Nations League win over the Republic of Ireland in his first match in charge, but opted against singing God Save the King with his players.

"It hasn't affected my day or my preparation," Carsley explained. "I respect people's opinions but it's something I have never done. This was one of the proudest days of my career. I don't feel aggrieved. Equally this doesn't make me any less committed."

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Carsley, who was born in Birmingham but made 40 caps for Ireland during his playing career, considers himself Irish and did not sing the English national anthem when he was in charge of the Under-21s.

The FA have already reportedly insisted that not singing the anthem won't be held against him in their pursuit of replacing Gareth Southgate, but sections of the fanbase were furious at his decision.

In the build-up to the match, Carsley claimed that he wanted focus to be on the football, and goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish gave the Three Lions all three points in a hostile Dublin environment.

Lee Carsley did not sing God Save the King before kick-off. (Image: Getty)

"I thought it was good in parts," Carsley added to ITV. "You've seen some of the things we've tried to do. The lads have to take a lot of credit, all of the credit. I think we've shown we've got some real talent and we can be really pleased with the clean sheet as well.

"I thought they [Rice and Grealish] took their goals really well. Really well-worked moves and brilliant finishes. I think, moving forward, they can both add a lot more goals to their game.

"Jack definitely doesn't have anything to prove to us, we can see his quality, but today will have done him the world of good, getting another goal for England and hopefully he can continue that form."

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England's second half was heavily criticised by Manchester United icon Roy Keane, who called out the players' "arrogance" as they let their performance levels drop, but Carsley remained upbeat and credited the opposition.

"On a really dry sticky pitch, it's not ideal for dribblers but I thought Anthony [Gordon] was a real threat," Carsley added. "He's carried on his form from last season and he looks a really dangerous player.

"I think you've got to give Ireland credit as well, they are very resilient, they closed the gaps and our space maybe became a bit wider [in the second half]. We found it a little bit more difficult to get through them but at 2-0 we were quite comfortable."

Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem

Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem

Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem

Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem

Lee Carsley's passionate reply after England boss opted against singing national anthem