Lee Carsley has dual nationality and will not sing the English anthem in today's game in Dublin.
The upcoming Nations League clash between England and the Republic of Ireland has stirred interest for various reasons, not only due to the competitive rivalry between the two teams but also because of the historic significance of the fixture.
This Saturday, the two sides meet again in Dublin for the first time in an official match since 1990. That game ended in controversy and was abandoned after crowd trouble at Lansdowne Road, adding an extra layer of tension to any future meetings between the nations.
The match itself already promises to be intense, as both teams look to assert dominance in the Nations League. However, the build-up has been further charged by a significant revelation from Lee Carsley, the interim coach of England, who has publicly stated that he will not sing the English national anthem before the match. This admission has garnered attention due to Carsley’s unique background. Though now managing the English national team, Carsley has dual nationality both English and Irish and in his playing days, he represented the Republic of Ireland internationally. This personal history, along with his decision to remain silent during the English anthem, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative surrounding the game.
Carsley, who took over as interim manager following Gareth Southgate's absence, was previously in charge of England's under-21 team and is highly regarded within the English Football Association. Nonetheless, his decision not to sing the anthem has sparked debate. In a press conference ahead of the match, Carsley explained his reasoning, recalling similar feelings from his days as a player. "It’s something I always struggled with when I played for Ireland. The gap between the warm-up, the walk onto the pitch, and the delay with the anthems. So, singing was something I never did," Carsley revealed.
He emphasized that his focus on the game itself often left him unable to fully engage with the pre-match traditions. "I was always very focused on the game and my first actions in the match. During that period, I was very careful not to let my mind get distracted. I think about how the opponents will position themselves and our first actions in the game," Carsley continued. He also took care to stress that his decision not to sing the anthem should not be taken as a sign of disrespect. "I fully respect both anthems and understand how much they mean to both countries. It’s something I respect greatly," he concluded, reflecting his deep ties to both England and Ireland.
Carsley’s connection to Ireland stems from his heritage and his time as a player representing the Republic of Ireland. Born in Birmingham to Irish parents, Carsley earned 40 caps for the Irish national team between 1997 and 2008. His decision to play for Ireland, despite his English birthplace, was rooted in his family’s Irish roots. This dual identity has followed him throughout his career, and now, as he leads England, it has once again become a talking point.
In addition to Carsley's situation, two key England players, Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, are also expected to face a challenging atmosphere in Dublin. Both players have ties to Ireland, having represented the Republic of Ireland at youth levels before making the controversial decision to switch allegiance to England. Rice, in particular, was highly regarded in the Irish setup and had even earned senior caps for Ireland before making the switch. His decision was met with disappointment and criticism from Irish fans and media, who felt betrayed by the young midfielder’s change of heart. Grealish’s situation is similar, as he too opted to switch to England despite playing for Irish youth teams. The presence of both players in the England squad is likely to add an extra layer of hostility from the Irish supporters, who may see them as symbols of divided loyalty.
The reception that awaits Rice, Grealish, and even Carsley is likely to be intense. Given the history of the rivalry and the personal connections between key figures in the English camp and Ireland, the game is expected to be played in a charged atmosphere. For Carsley, however, the focus remains on the football. His decision not to sing the anthem, while notable, is a personal one, and he will be hoping to lead England to a strong performance in what promises to be a hard-fought encounter.
The match represents a significant moment for both teams. For Ireland, playing in front of a home crowd against England offers a chance for redemption, particularly given the long-standing rivalry and the memories of their last official encounter in Dublin. For England, it’s an opportunity to maintain momentum in the Nations League under new management, even if temporarily.
Ultimately, while much attention has been focused on the anthems and personal histories, the game itself will be the true focal point. Carsley, Rice, and Grealish, all with ties to Ireland, will be key figures to watch, as their personal narratives intertwine with the broader competitive rivalry between the two nations.
