The World Cup has arrived at last, and football fever is sweeping the globe. Here in England we are rather renowned for our love of “the beautiful game” and at this moment people across the country are stocking up on beer, getting their barbecue food in, or preparing for a trip to the pub to watch the first England match of the tournament.
These things are all British traditions when it comes to football watching. But there is one more English football tradition I have missed out.
The England football song.
Over the years, they have ranged from the emotional to the ridiculous but no matter how crazy, they are always embraced by the public.
In lieu of an official 2010 England World Cup song, I’d like to share my top five England football anthems with you.
5) We’ve Got the Whole World at Our Feet – England World Cup Squad 1986
This cheery number was performed by the 1986 England football team, which included Gary Linekar and Bobby Robson. Although it faired badly in the charts, not even getting into the top 60, it’s really catchy and perfect for chanting in the stands. We’ve Got The Whole World At Our Feet
4) Vindaloo – Fat Les (1998)
Written by Keith Allen, Vindaloo became a big hit during the 1998 World Cup. Although it wasn’t the official England tune, it still stormed the charts and almost everywhere you went you would hear people singing, “We’re gonna score one more than you!” Vindaloo
3) World in Motion – New Order (1990)
Before his Vindaloo days, Keith Allen co-wrote this song. The England team joined in on the chorus for this one and John Barnes even does a solo rap, which isn’t as awful as you might imagine! This one always ranks highly as one of the best England anthems of all time. World in Motion
2) Back Home – England Squad 1970
Almost reminiscent of a wartime song, this football song reached number one in the charts and stayed there for three weeks! It’s about all the fans back at home who were cheering them on, and how they would do their best to make them proud. Back Home
1) Three Lions – Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds (1996)
It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming, football’s coming home! In 1996, the European Football Championship was held in England, and the football fever was felt by practically every man, woman and child in the country. The excitement was indescribable. David Baddiel and Frank Skinner gave us the best football song of all time. It is so iconic that even fourteen years after its release, it is still always heard at every England game.Three Lion
As you can see, the England football team has inspired a lot of music over the years, and this is just a small list. Although, many are actually not worth mentioning! I’m thinking of Ant and Dec’s “We’re On The Ball”? Ouch. Of course, even that isn’t so bad when you’re cheering on your country!
Now I am feeling nice and patriotic, I’m off to put on my England shirt and book my seat in front of the television for tonight’s game!
Come on England!
