Gary Lineker has backed Lee Carsley and taken aim at the media amid the national anthem row currently rumbling on ahead of England’s Nations League clash with Finland on Tuesday night.
Carsley played his international football for the Republic of Ireland but has been given the job of leading the team on an interim basis following the recent departure of Gareth Southgate.
Speaking before England’s 2-0 win over Ireland on Saturday, the 50-year-old said he wouldn’t be singing the anthem.
He often didn’t sing along when playing for Ireland – but has been widely criticised for his stance on the matter.
Lineker has now waded into the row.
And the former England, Tottenham, Leicester and Barcelona striker has blasted the media – insisting the argument is ‘bonkers’ in the process.
“Crikey, they do like to stir things up, don’t they?!” the 63-year-old told the Rest is Football podcast.
“I find it bonkers. If someone chooses not to sing it doesn’t [matter]…
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“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.
“I always felt a little self-conscious singing on a football pitch, I didn’t feel comfortable with it.
“I don’t know, I just think it’s a bit weird.”
Also speaking on the podcast was Alan Shearer.
And Shearer, like Lineker, doesn’t believe it is a big deal that Carsley doesn’t intend on singing the national anthem.
“You’re going to be judged on b****y football results, not whether you sing the national anthem or not,” said the Premier League icon.
As things stand, it looks as though Carsley won’t be signing the national anthem on Tuesday when England go up against Finland.
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However, there’s a sense that he could yet land the job on a permanent basis if England continue to impress.
Against Ireland on Saturday, there were some encouraging signs as the Three Lions won their first match since losing to Spain in the final of the European Championships back in July.
One player that was impressive was Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was used at right-back for his country for the first time in six years.
And Lineker waxed lyrical over the 25-year-old, with the Match of the Day host adding: “I’d actually go with Trent Alexander-Arnold. His passing range…
“He will benefit from a side that plays on the front foot and if you play in their half.
“Yes, England will be vulnerable to the counter-attacks occasionally but don’t worry about that. Be brave, be bold in football.
“Pep [Guardiola] has shown us that, [Jurgen] Klopp has shown us that with Liverpool, [Mikel] Arteta has shown it at Arsenal.
“You go and play in the opposition’s third and it gives you a greater chance.”
