Dr Mycock said: “It is not a question of ditching God Save The Queen. I believe it should remain as the British national anthem for state occasions and sporting events such as the Olympics where there is a British team competing.

“The need for an English national anthem is to acknowledge the difference between Englishness and Britishness.

“The use of God Save The Queen for English sporting and other national occasions is a constant source of tension with the other nations of the UK and also across the Commonwealth.

“Jerusalem has emerged as the most popular choice as it evokes an aspirational and positive view of England.

“It is played already when England take the field in cricket. Land of Hope and Glory is more associated with the UK as a whole rather than just England.”

Dr Mycock said he did not think that there is a problem with considering the idea of an English national anthem during the Jubilee Year.

“The Queen’s celebrations are not confined to England and in many ways it would be a positive step to keep God Save The Queen for special occasions when all her subjects come together across the UK and elsewhere,” he said.