It’s part of the game: the national anthem. This is very special in the case of England – of course it will also be used in the 2021 European Championships.

LONDON – These are often the first goosebump moments in a football game: the national anthems of the respective countries. Especially now, when fans are allowed into stadiums again for the 2021 European Championships, there is often a very special atmosphere. And even more so in some nations, because the respective anthem has such a one-day melody. It definitely includes English.

So “English” is not correct in this case. Of course the England national team is on the field, but: the anthem “God Save the Queen” is a song from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Further: It is one of the two national anthems of New Zealand and also the royal anthem of all Commonwealth realms. It means: The following text is sung in various places around the world when it comes to solemn occasions:

EM 2021: National Anthem of England – text of “God Save the Queen”

God save our merciful queen,
Hail our great queen,
God Save the Queen!
send him victorious,
happy and proud,
Long to rule us;
God Save the Queen!

In German:

God protect our merciful queen!
Hail our great queen
God Save the Queen!
let them win
be happy and proud
May he rule over us long!
God Save the Queen!

Of course, the national anthem is even longer, but in most cases only one stanza of the text is sung – in all countries, at all events. The text and melody are said to have come from the pen of English poet and composer Henry Carey, but doubts quickly arose. This act has been the national anthem since about 1800.

The national anthem of England sometimes changes title and lyrics.

“God Save the Queen” has a total of six stanzas, but the last three of them are not commonly sung nowadays. It is worth noting that English goose moments in football tournaments usually end very quickly, as the rhyme is relatively short. And another special feature: the anthem is constantly being changed!

Why this? Of course, Queen Elizabeth II is currently being sung about—and has been for nearly 70 years. Before the start of its record tenure, the anthem was still called “God Save the King”. After that, of course, it was about her father and King George VI, so the title and stanza always corresponded to the gender of the current queen or current king. (AKL)