England’s Iconic Anthem: The Story Behind “Three Lions” and Its Enduring Popularity

The legendary football anthem “Three Lions”, famously known by its chant “Football’s Coming Home,” has become a cultural staple for England supporters over the past few decades. Originally released in May 1996, the song was created by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner in collaboration with the band The Lightning Seeds. It served as the unofficial soundtrack of England’s Euro ’96 campaign and has since evolved into a symbol of national hope and pride.

Despite being associated with heartbreak—referencing “30 years of hurt” since England’s 1966 World Cup victory—the song quickly resonated with fans. It captured the emotional rollercoaster of following the national team: the soaring hopes, crushing disappointments, and unwavering belief that success could come again.

Interestingly, Three Lions even earned international recognition. Jurgen Klinsmann, the German captain who played a crucial role in knocking England out of Euro ’96, once admitted that the German squad sang the song while celebrating their own victory—a nod to its universal appeal and catchy optimism.

Over the years, the anthem has seen several revivals. It was re-recorded for the 1998 World Cup, and its popularity surged again during the 2018 tournament in Russia, as Gareth Southgate’s squad made an impressive run to the semi-finals. More recently, it returned for Euro 2020, the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and is once again echoing across the country during Euro 2024 in Germany.

In anticipation of the winter World Cup in Qatar, the song even received a festive makeover with a Christmas-themed version. But for Euro 2024, fans have returned to the original lyrics, embracing the nostalgic charm and hopefulness that made the song a beloved classic in the first place.

Why “Three Lions”?

The title references the three lions featured on the England national team’s crest. The lyric “thirty years of hurt” alludes to the time that had passed since England’s sole World Cup win in 1966. Today, that number is far higher, but the sentiment remains unchanged—England fans continue to dream of glory on the international stage.

The anthem’s enduring success lies in its emotional honesty. It acknowledges the frustrations and near-misses of the past while refusing to give up hope. It’s not just a song; it’s a shared experience passed down from one generation of fans to the next.

The Full Lyrics to “Three Lions”

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

Everyone seems to know the score,
They’ve seen it all before,
They just know, they’re so sure
That England’s gonna throw it away, gonna blow it away—
But I know they can play.

’Cause I remember:
Three lions on a shirt,
Jules Rimet still gleaming,
Thirty years of hurt
Never stopped me dreaming.

So many jokes, so many sneers,
But all those ‘oh so nears’
Wear you down through the years.
But I still see that tackle by Moore,
And when Lineker scored,
Bobby belting the ball
And Nobby dancing.

Three lions on a shirt,
Jules Rimet still gleaming,
Thirty years of hurt
Never stopped me dreaming.

I know that was then, but it could be again…

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

It’s coming home,
It’s coming home, it’s coming,
Football’s coming home.

Three lions on a shirt,
Jules Rimet still gleaming,
Thirty years of hurt
Never stopped me dreaming.

Three lions on a shirt,
Jules Rimet still gleaming,
Thirty years of hurt
Never stopped me dreaming.

Three lions on a shirt,
Jules Rimet still gleaming,
Thirty years of hurt
Never stopped me dreaming.

As the tournament continues, England fans once again find themselves singing in unison, fueled by the same hope that’s echoed since 1996: Maybe this time, football really is coming home.