Northern Ireland haven’t played in a major tournament in 30 years, which perhaps explains the general surprise surrounding their national anthem.
As we all now know, having watched Michael O’Neill’s side lose their opener to Poland, their anthem is God Save the Queen.
There had been a suggestion that neither they nor England would play the anthem before Euro 2016 games, but The National Anthem Bill did not come to pass before the tournament.
Wales already uses its own anthem, thus avoiding any confusion when they meet England on Thursday.
So, what will happen if the two teams meet during the tournament? Will we hear the same anthem twice, or will it just be played once and ‘shared’ between the two Home Nations?
Can't believe Northern Ireland stuck with God Save The Queen as the national anthem, when they could have had Will Griggs on Fire
— A C (@ALEXC_1988) June 12, 2016
If past examples are anything to go by, it will be the latter.
When the pair met in qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup, God Save the Queen was played just once before England’s 4-0 win at Old Trafford and Northern Ireland’s 1-0 victory at Windsor Park according to balls.ie.
Another competitive meeting between the two countries is unlikely to occur at this tournament, but it is possible if England win Group B and Northern Ireland finish third in Group C and secure enough points to progress.
Surely it won’t be as confusing as the time England met Liechtenstein, whose own anthem shares a tune with that of the United Kingdom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60RJEKhDjHM
