Lee Carsley defended his decision not to sing England’s national anthem during their 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland. The England interim manager, who earned 40 caps for Ireland during his playing career, said: ‘I don’t think it makes me or anyone that doesn’t any less committed.’ He went on to say ‘I respect everyone’s opinion’ regarding the national anthem. Former Republic of Ireland youth internationals Declan Rice and Jack Grealish scored England’s goals. Carsley said: ‘I thought that they both handled the atmosphere.’
