England’s 3-0 victory over Wales should have been a happy night for fans, but some were outraged when one of their players refused to perform the national anthem amid controversy over Gary Neville’s position on Union Jack flags. The Three Lions impressed at Wembley Stadium as Thomas Tuchel’s side cruised to a comfortable friendly victory.
Tuchel’s side jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first 20 minutes at Wembley Stadium. Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa scored before Bukayo Saka marked his comeback to international football with a spectacular third goal.
Djed Spence, who impressed as a makeshift left-back, was one of the surprise starters. However, some admirers noted that he did not sing ‘God Save the King’.
England fans react to Spence not singing the national anthem.
This week, Sky Sports pundit Neville suggested that ‘angry white men’ were to responsible for the country’s social divides, sparking a heated debate about English patriotism. His rant on his LinkedIn page drew widespread criticism, including from Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch.
Spence faced backlash on social media when spectators watching the game observed he remained silent throughout the national anthem. They went to X to express their opinions.
One angry fan wrote:
“Djed Spence is going full Gary Neville and not singing our national song. Any athlete who is unwilling to sing our national anthem should never play for our country.”
Neville once admitted that he did not sing the national anthem at the start of his England career at Euro 1996 to make a point with the FA. However, he was observed again, this time remaining mute throughout the 2006 World Cup song.
Another fan commented:
“Watch them make a big deal out of Djed Spence not singing the national anthem.”
One supporter stated:
“Shocked Djed Spence didn’t sing the national anthem.”
One admirer pointed out that Spence’s heritage was probably the main reason:
“Djed Spence’s refusal to sing the national anthem despite being the first openly Muslim England player is expected to make headlines tomorrow. Also
Wales’ booing of England’s national song reflects how the rest of the UK feels about Westminster and the mainland.
Another supported the Spurs defender:
“Didn’t Djed Spence sing the English national anthem? “Every day, my love for him grows stronger.”
Spence was one of the night’s star players, seldom putting a foot wrong on the left, but his pre-match actions are the main topic of discussion among supporters. He earned his international debut in a 5-0 win over Serbia in a World Cup qualifier last month and appears to be in Tuchel’s plans for next year’s World Cup if qualification is assured with a win over Latvia.
Ebadur Rahman, the founder of Nujum Sports, described the 25-year-old’s call-up as “a moment of celebration for British Muslims” and said he was now a “role model breaking a barrier.” He became the first Muslim to play for England when he made his debut in September, and if he continues to perform as he did tonight, he will be on the plane to North America next summer.
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