As Cymru prepare to face Liechtenstein, some fans may be surprised to hear a familiar tune before kick-off, the melody of God Save the King, the national anthem of England. However, it’s worth knowing that Liechtenstein’s national anthem, Oben am jungen Rhein (“High on the Young Rhine”), is set to the very same melody.
Liechtenstein adopted the anthem in the 19th century. The true composer of the tune is unknown, though several names have been suggested over the centuries. While God Save the King became associated with British composer Thomas Arne in the 18th century (he arranged it for performance in London in 1745), he is not believed to have written the melody. Some historians have attributed the tune to have been composed in Germany.
Oben am jungen Rhein pays tribute to the Rhine River, which forms the western border of Liechtenstein, and celebrates the country’s sovereignty and loyalty to its ruling Prince. While it shares the tune with God Save the King, the lyrics are entirely distinct and specifically reference Liechtenstein’s national identity and heritage.
So, when the anthem plays, it’s not a case of mistaken allegiance, just one of those quirks of international football history.
