Jim Haysom | This Is Your Life an internet professional in digital advertising

Spain 2-0 England, football team show poor National Anthem singing

So Fabio Capello has seen his unbeaten run for the England football team come to an end, losing to Spain 2-0 in Seville this evening.  Even though it was a friendly international, it was a weakened side through injuries, and a chance for some of the youngsters to have the chance to make an impression.

David Beckham makes his historic 108th cap for England, and rightfully so, I think he deserves it.  But if he was to have been in the starting line-up, then he'd be singing his heart out to the national anthem, "God Save The Queen".

For the record, Spain don't actually have lyrics to their national anthem, Marcha Real.  They tried, but it got thrown out last year within a matter of days, and national uproar.

I was disappointed to see the English players lining up at the start, with a half-arsed attempt to sing the anthem.  Most of them were mumbling the words, with only Ashley Cole, Michael Carrick, John Terry and David James visibly making the most effort.  Gabriel Agbonlahor didn't even open his mouth, which leads to the question, does he know the words?

It was revealed why Wayne Rooney never sings the national anthem, because he never learned the words, and the FA said that players show their pride to play for England in different ways, some sing loudly and some focus on the game ahead, but they cannot force people to sing.

"God Save The Queen" lyrics

God save our gracious Queen,
Long live our noble Queen,
God save the Queen:
Send her victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us:
God save the Queen.

The full standard lyrics for "God Save The Queen" can be seen on Wikipedia with some background to the anthem.

How to sing the national anthem wearing an England football shirt

This is an example from England v Spain in the Euro 1996 competition at Wembley, showing the England players how it should be done (with the exception of Gary Neville).

So footballers, be proud to be representing the country, and please learn and sing the national anthem ready for the 2010 World Cup.  If the England rugby team are able to do it, I'm sure you guys can.