Thomas Tuchel has revealed he will not sing the national anthem during his first matches as England manager.
The German boss believes he must first “earn the right” to join in with God Save The King.
Tuchel, 51, made the announcement as he unveiled his first England squad ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia at Wembley.
He promised to sing the anthem after securing some victories.
Thomas Tuchel has revealed he will not sing the national anthem during his first matches as England manager
REUTERS
Tuchel explained his decision stems from the emotional significance of the anthem.
“I think 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,” he said.
“It means everything. It means a lot to me, I can assure you.”
He added: “I feel that it’s not just a given. You cannot just sing it. That’s why I decided that I will not sing it in my first matches.”
Prince William has given his royal seal of approval to Tuchel’s appointment.
England boss Thomas Tuchel has enjoyed his two meetings with Prince William
REUTERS
Speaking recently, the heir to the throne described the former Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich boss as the “best manager for the job”.
William even suggested the German could lead England to World Cup glory next summer.
Tuchel admitted the royal endorsement “adds pressure” but described it as “a privilege to be in this role”.
He also revealed he has met Prince William twice since taking the England job, including at Windsor Castle last month.
“I met His Royal Highness once during a match and we then had another meeting in Windsor Castle,” Tuchel said.
“It was just nothing but impressive the way he speaks and how emotional he supports Aston Villa and of course the national team.”
The new England boss said he was “honoured” to receive the prince’s backing.
“It makes me very proud,” he added.
Tuchel shared a humorous anecdote about his royal meeting, revealing the Prince’s football allegiances.
“He was pushing hard for the Aston Villa players, which was not needed because we admire them a lot,” Tuchel joked.
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“It’s just so impressive. It was so nice to speak to him about football. He has a strong opinion.”
Tuchel’s stance comes after controversy surrounding former interim manager Lee Carsley.
Carsley sparked debate last year when he refused to sing the national anthem before England matches.
Unlike Carsley, Tuchel has made it clear he will eventually join in with the anthem.
The German will remain silent during the upcoming World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania on Friday and Latvia next Monday.
Thomas Tuchel is currently preparing for his first two matches as England manager
REUTERS
Tuchel outlined his path to eventually joining in with the anthem.
“I will earn it with results, with building a group, with doing my job properly,” he said.
The manager suggested he needs approval from players, supporters and the media.
He added: “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’s one of our own, he’s the English manager, he should sing it’.”