Soccer

ENGLAND football fans were left in hysterics after ITV “did the players dirty” during the national anthem.The Three Lions were led out for the must-win Nations League clash in Greece by stand-in captain Kyle Walker. England sang God Save The King before kick-off in GreeceCredit: ReutersThe starting players struggled to hit the right notes while singing the national anthemCredit: ITVAhead of kick-off, they lined up together for the customary God Save The King rendition.However, the singing voices of the 11 England footballers left plenty of fans watching on at home cringing behind their sofas – and covering their ears.Some of the players’ vocals were not loud enough to be picked up by the TV microphones. But for those whose tones did, most were not exactly hitting the right notes – a far cry from the Welsh rugby team’s angelic voices.And that prompted a flood of comments on social media in response to the “dreadful” sing-song. One fan joked: “That was the best thing ever hearing the lads singing the national anthem. ITV have done them dirty there.”Another said: “That England national anthem sung by the players was the worst and most awkward thing I’ve ever heard.”A third added: “Other than Euro 96, I don’t think I’ve ever heard an England team sing the national anthem in tune or in time.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA fourth quipped: “If team chances were based on anthem singing, England are about to throw themselves on the ground in despair, a lot and have accepted defeat before kick-off.”While one added: “Wow! Let’s hope the England squad are better players than they are singers! That national anthem was just shocking!” ‘I don’t really like it’ – Harry Kane breaks silence after eight England players pull out of Nations League squadA sixth commented: “Absolutely hysterical watching them players sing the national anthem! What an embarrassment.”And a final user tweeted: “You know when footballers get criticised for not singing the national anthem? Well, after listening to the out-of-tune drone noise from these England players, perhaps a dignified silence might be the better option.”Ollie Watkins was one of the few to belt out the anthem – and did earn a few compliments for his singing abilities in fairness.The Aston Villa striker hit the right note inside seven minutes once the game got underway.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money.Watkins, surprisingly given the nod up top ahead of Harry Kane, repaid Lee Carsley’s faith in him by turning home from Noni Madueke’s electric run to give England the perfect start.An own goal from keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, followed by Curtis Jones’ stunning backheel flick, in the second half saw the Three Lions win 3-0.The result sees England take control of their Nations League group, meaning a win over Ireland on Sunday will see them promoted for Group A.Ollie Watkins gave England the perfect start by turning home inside seven minutesCredit: GettyHarry Kane joined his fellow substitutes singing from the sidelinesCredit: Reuters More