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SportsPulse: USA TODAY Sports Martin Rogers on how the start of the World Cup in Russia Russia finally led to another disappointment.
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MOSCOW – If you are a member of the World Cup team of England, singing the national anthem is not a choice, it is a requirement .

Before the quarterfinal of the team against Colombia on Tuesday, the Daily Telegraph reported that players from England are "under orders" of 39, cash "God Save The Queen" to maximum volume when they take the field at Spartak Stadium.

The anthem and its relationship with the sport is much less thorny in Britain compared to the United States. For starters, as in most of the world, the anthem is not played before regular sporting events, only those featuring a national team in action.

In addition, equality issues sparked protests in the national anthem.

That being said, it was always surprising that head coach Gareth Southgate took such a stand by asking his players to sing the anthem out loud. Previously, players had the right to decide for themselves whether they wanted to sing or not. Former captain Wayne Rooney, who has just joined Major League Soccer's DC United, has often not sung early in his career in England.

"It's different from the past," said midfielder Ashley Young. "It's something the coach has instilled in us and you can see it when we sing the national anthem." When I came back into the team, it was very important that everyone know the national anthem and sing hearts out. We join hands to show our unity. That's why we do it. "

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Robert Louis, 21, a political science student who competes in the tournament as a fan, told USA TODAY Sports that" I'm in trouble. " Anthem is "We certainly have marginalized members of society, but the anthem has never really emerged as a symbol to protest, at least in modern times," said the Englishman. "When English fans sing, we like to see the team sing too. It's patriotic and team-oriented, but it's not political. "

The discussions on the anthem in British sports often refer to the England team that won the Rugby World Cup 2003. Before the final against Australia The players screamed the anthem with a passion and intensity such that some of them had tears running down their cheeks.It has been brandished as a symbol of camaraderie and national pride since then. 19659008] Interestingly, Southgate is a student passionate about American sports and ventured to the United States earlier this year.England, reputedly reluctant with the media, adopted the NFL's policy by organizing a media day before the tournament where each player was available for an interview.

Southgate also met Minnesota owner Timberwolves Glen Taylor to understand how an NBA franchise works, and studied how players from Basketballs use their bodies in close-up situations – comparing it to football players on corners and corners.

England has less support in Russia than in the past. the stands for his turn of 16 clash. However, if Southgate's orders are respected, the team will be heard, before the kickoff at least.

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