British PM wants 'Jerusalem' as English national anthem
David Cameron supports calls for to adopt seperate anthem for England's sports teams; says his personal choice is the hymn Jerusalem
In recent weeks, England has launched a campaign calling to adopt a separate anthem for its sports team during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
A report published by The Telegraph stated that the UK government does not have an official stance on the issue, saying it should be up to sporting authorities to decide what is played before international games.
However, the report noted that UK Prime Minister David Cameron told a group of activists this month that he believes England sports teams should have their own anthem, just like Scotland and Wales do.
He added that his personal choice would 'Jerusalem' – a hymn written by William Blake in 1916.
Listen to 'Jerusalem'
The United Kingdom is comprised of a few entities that were separated in the past, including England, Wales, Scotland and North Ireland. Britain sends its national teams to several international competitions such as the Olympics or the Eurovision, while other sporting events, such as the Football World Cup, host separate teams.
Currently, most England teams sing the official English anthem God Save the Queen. However teams representing Scotland and Wales sing national verses such as Flower of Scotland or Land of My Fathers.
According to the report, other possible anthems include Land of Hope and Glory, which was written in 1902, and Swing Low Sweet Chariot, which is popular with rugby fans.
