Roy Hodgson: England players will sing anthem loud and proud at World Cup in Brazil

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England manager Roy Hodgson said his players will sing the national anthem loud and proud before matches at the World Cup in Brazil this summer.

Hodgson urged his 23-man squad to deliver a rousing version of 'God Save the Queen' before every match at the tournament.

The England squad flew to Miami yesterday to begin their preparations for the World Cup.

The England squad arrive at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Miami. Credit: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Roy Hodgson's side will play two friendly games in the US - the first against Ecuador and the second Honduras - before their game against Italy in Manaus on June 14.

The England manager said it was "an obvious" decision to get the players singing the national anthem in Brazil.

Given that Hodgson's 23-man World Cup squad contains 12 players who were not part of Euro 2012, the England boss will issue a reminder to his party for Brazil that they must sing the song this summer.

Ross Barkley is among the 12 players who were not at Euro 2012. Credit: Adam Davy/EMPICS Sport

Hodgson said the nine hour journey from Luton airport to Miami was "very good", when asked by assembled media at the Mandarin Oriental hotel in the Brickell Key area of the Florida city.

However, the squad's departure was overshadowed by a stunt by comedian Simon Brodkin - best known for his performance as Lee Nelson in two BBC comedy series.

Lee Nelson is taken away by security at Luton Airport. Credit: Stephen Pond/PA Wire

The comedian, who was dressed in the same suit as the England players, was seen attempting to mingle with the squad after they got off the team bus before boarding the plane.

Security and police quickly spotted Brodkin and he was led away. The comedian was spoken to by a police officer before leaving the area.

The comedian was spoken to by a police officer. Credit: Stephen Pond/PA Wire

He later tweeted: "Gutted Roy wouldn't let me on the plane to Brazil. I don't know what to tell the Malaysian betting syndicate now..."

  • With Roy Hodgson saying the players "don't really know the second verse" of the national anthem, how well do you know the lyrics to 'God Save the Queen'?