Thomas Tuchel reveals England national anthem decision ahead of World Cup 2026 opener | OneFootball

Former Chelsea boss will lead Three Lions in World Cup opener today

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed he will not sing the national anthem at England's World Cup opener, but hopes to overcome his “shyness” later in the tournament.

England begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia at Dallas Stadium in Arlington today.

It will be the first time Tuchel has taken charge of the Three Lions in a major tournament match.

Tuchel has so far opted not to sing the English national anthem ‘God Save the King’, fearing anyone taking offence given that he is German.

But the 52-year-old has admitted he does feel like an Anglophile and did not rule out singing the national anthem ahead of kick-off for England games later in the World Cup.

Preparations: Thomas Tuchel

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“Not yet,” he said of signing the English national anthem. “I think we are not there yet. At the very end [of the tournament], maybe.

Asked whether he has learned the words, he joked: “It's not so difficult.”

When it was put to Tuchel that he acts like an Anglophile, he replied: “Yeah, it feels like that. I can't explain it but it felt like this from the first weeks at Chelsea. It just felt so good to be in the country and in the city of course, and be a part of Premier League.

“Everyday was a gift, almost. It just felt like to be in the right place. I cannot say often enough, I'm grateful, and it's an honour for me to be England head coach and nobody wants it more than me.

“I feel basically at home when I land, when I fly home [to England]. I would say now “I fly home”, I fly home to my home in London and it feels like home when I land in London and I'm in England.”