MPs to debate whether England should have its own national anthem

The second reading of the English national anthem bill will take place in parliament on Friday 4 March as MPs debate whether England should have an alternative to God Save the Queen.

Toby Perkins, a Labour MP, wants English sporting teams to have their own anthem especially when playing other home nations who have their own songs.

Regarding his bill, he told The Times: "It is not hostile to the monarchy in any way. I'm sure the monarchy is as aware as the rest of us that the issues of Britishness are quite sensitive."

However a source at the RFU told newspaper: "there is no appetite to change the national anthem before England matches."

FA chairman Greg Dyke said that football fans brandished different flags today than they had in the past, telling the newspaper: "If you look at the film of the 1966 World Cup final, all the flags were Union Jacks and now most are the cross of St George.

"The FA's president is Prince William, of course, but if this bill gets traction then I suppose we will have to discuss it," Dyke said.

Campaigners who support the MP's stance have organised a choir to sing the hymn Jerusalem, based on William Blake's poem, outside the Houses of Parliament throughout the day.

If the bill is passed, the secretary of state for culture, media and sport would have to hold a consultation across the UK.

Other suggested England national anthems include Land of Hope and Glory, which was used by England teams at the Commonwealth Games until 2010 when it was replaced by Jerusalem. Other options are There'll Always be an England and I Vow to Thee, My Country.

The most recent poll by YouGov on January 16 2016 found that 57% supported the idea of an English national anthem with 22% opposed and the remaining 21% unsure.