Marching to the sound of a different drum

There's a rash of St George's flags everywhere, even mounted on cars. But at England's (sorry, Ingerlund's) opening game, only about three of the players sang the National Anthem.

When players are chosen for the national team (in any sport), why don't they learn and sing the Anthem? They seem to be marching to the sound of a different drum.

Consider the commentary during and after the match. Experts in the studio said England played well and complimented the team's passing. I saw it differently. I saw the ball repeatedlly kicked into space, where the Americans collected it and mounted another attack. I saw the England players unable to reclaim the ball from the Americans.

I saw the England backs passing the ball aimlessly across the field to each other, especially in the final ten minutes when they should have been trying energetically for another goal. I saw reactive play, rather than planned attacks.

Could it be that the commentators were allowing their partisanship to cloud their judgement? Could it be that the England players are not fully committed to the England cause? Could it be that we need a unifying factor, like the Mandela effect at the Rugby World Cup, to inspire our players to strive valiantly for victory or die in the attempt?

There is some powerful energy floating about, but it needs proper channelling if it is to bring about success on the field of play. I think it is called Leadership.