EVER wondered what is going through a players’ mind during the national anthem ceremony ahead of kick off?
According to Wolves’ England internationals, it appears to be different for each of them.
Ben Currie, two games into his England career, said: “There’s hundreds of things going through your mind.
“I’ve usually thought about my family and what it will mean to them in the crowd.
“You’re not just doing it for yourself, you’re doing it for your family, friends and for your country and it’s a great experience.”
Experienced international Chris Hill said: “You’re focused then, focused on the game.
“Everything else, such as the crowd, is drowned out and we just focus on the game.”
Kevin Brown, set to feature for the first time in this World Cup against France on Sunday, added: “Just to perform my best, I don’t care who it is against.
“Make sure that I perform to my ultimate best and leave everything on that field. And if we all do that, play to our best, then I feel like we can win.
“And if we don’t win but we’ve left it on the field then we can have no regrets.
Stefan Ratchford, full-back against Lebanon at the weekend, said: “To be stood on the pitch arm in arm with 16 other blokes who’d do anything to get a win and feel massively honoured to be able to stand in that position and have the opportunity to sing the national anthem and represent the country is a feeling you can’t describe.
“It’s the biggest buzz you’ll ever get on the rugby field I think.”
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