National anthem of England facts for kids

England shares its national anthem with the whole United Kingdom. This song is called "God Save the King". But some people think England should have its own special song. They believe this song would help English teams feel more proud. Discussions about this have happened in the UK Parliament. Many songs could be chosen. Some popular ideas are "Jerusalem" and "Land of Hope and Glory". Sometimes, other songs are used for England's teams at sports events.

Anthems at Sporting Events

Different songs are used for England's teams in various sports.

Multi-Sport Events

• At the Commonwealth Games, Team England uses "Jerusalem". This has been their victory song since 2010. Before the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the public voted for their favorite anthem. The choices were "God Save the King", "Jerusalem", and "Land of Hope and Glory". "Jerusalem" won with 52% of the votes.

Single Sport Events

• For international football matches, England uses "God Save the King". This is the UK's national anthem. Before the FA Cup Final, another song called "Abide With Me" is also played.
• In international rugby union matches, England uses "God Save the King". But before the game starts, "Jerusalem" or "Land of Hope and Glory" is often played.
• At international rugby league matches, England also uses "God Save the King". "Abide With Me" is played before the Challenge Cup Final. "Jerusalem" is played before the Grand Final.
• For international Test cricket matches, the England team has used "Jerusalem" since 2003. It is played as their entrance song.
• In international lacrosse matches, the England Men's team uses "God Save the King". The Women's team uses "Land of Hope and Glory".
• At international darts matches, England uses "Land of Hope and Glory" as its national anthem.

Ideas for an English Anthem

Many people have suggested that England should have its own national anthem.

In 2007, Greg Mulholland, a MP, suggested this idea. He wanted English sports teams to choose a special song. This song would be used when they play as England. Another MP, Daniel Kawczynski, also suggested that "Jerusalem" should become England's official anthem.

In 2008, Greg Mulholland again asked for an English anthem. He wanted the England national rugby league team to use a different song. He pointed out that Scotland and Wales had their own anthems. He thought English fans should choose their song. However, "God Save the King" was still used.

On St George's Day in 2010, the Commonwealth Games Council for England held a public vote. People could choose the anthem for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. The choices were "God Save the King", "Jerusalem", and "Land of Hope and Glory". "Jerusalem" won the vote on May 30, 2010. It received 52% of the votes.

In 2016, Toby Perkins, another MP, tried to pass a law for an English anthem. His idea was discussed in Parliament. But the law did not get approved.

Songs Suggested as Anthems

Jerusalem

"Jerusalem" is a famous song. It comes from a poem by William Blake. Hubert Parry wrote the music. Edward Elgar later made it into a grand orchestral piece. When King George V first heard it, he liked it a lot. He even thought it should replace "God Save the King" as the national anthem. "Jerusalem" is also sung at the yearly Last Night of the BBC Proms concert.

This song has been used by different groups. The Labour Party used it in their 1945 election campaign. It is also the unofficial song of the Women's Institute. Some churches do not allow it because they feel it is too nationalistic.

"Jerusalem" was the official song for the England football team in UEFA Euro 2000. Since 2003, it has been the official hymn for the England cricket team. It is played before home test matches.

Land of Hope and Glory

"Land of Hope and Glory" is another popular patriotic song. It is often played at the end of the Last Night of the BBC Proms. People wave flags when it is played.

England's rugby league team used to sing "Land of Hope and Glory" as their anthem. But after 2005, they switched to "God Save the King". This song was also used as England's victory anthem at the Commonwealth Games before "Jerusalem" was chosen in 2010.

Other Patriotic Songs

Many other English patriotic songs have been suggested.

• "Rose of England" is a song from 1937. It was written by Ivor Novello and made famous by Vera Lynn. The rose is a national symbol of England.
• "I Vow To Thee, My Country" was written by Gustav Holst and Cecil Spring Rice. It is a hymn that makes people feel proud of their country.
• "There'll Always Be an England" was very popular during World War II. Vera Lynn also sang a famous version of this song.
• Modern songs like "A Place called England" by Maggie Holland have also been suggested.

See also

In Spanish: Himno de Inglaterra para niños