England’s BEST Football Anthems
While we’re digging out our vuvuzelas and our giant flags for the start of the Euro 2016, we thought we’d celebrate with a countdown of our favourite England footie songs!
None of these have done the trick in helping securing the trophy, as Britain hasn’t won any major football tournaments since 1966, but they’ve won a place in our hearts…
5. We’re on the Ball – Ant & Dec
In at number 5, a very catchy little number from entertainment sensations Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly.
They’ve since moved on to the be staple of UK Saturday night TV, but this song reminds us of when Michael Owen was a fresh face and David Seaman still had a flowing ponytail!
4. Three Lions – Badiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds
Next up at number 4, a song that takes us back to France in 1998.
This was originally written for Euro ’96 by comedians Badiel and Skinner with indie band the Lighting Seeds. After a disappointing England performance it was reworded for the World Cup. A mainstay of England chants from the stands – it really is a classic!
Star spot – keep an eye out for Robbie Williams at 2:57!
3. Eat My Goal – Collapsed Lung
Storming in at number 3, another song harking back to Euro ’96, but this stuck around for World Cup ’98 thanks to being used in adverts by a sportswear giant.
Interesting fact: The main rapper in the group has now moved on from hip-hop to chap-hop!
2. Vindaloo – Fat Les
Rising 3 places to number 2, it’s Vindaloo!
Musical talent must run in the family, because this is sung by Lily Allen’s dad Keith. A famous comedian since the 80s, he collaborated with Fat Les on this anthemic tune.
With crude lyrics and chants a-plenty, this was a big favourite with England fans cheering on David Beckham in his first World Cup. It still is and you can hear it being sung at all their matches!
1. World in Motion – New Order (feat. the England Squad)
Storming into first place is an oldie, but a goodie. Released for World Cup 1990, it also features Keith Allen. More importantly, the England squad sing the chorus too!
Teaming up with the excellent New Order, Gazza, Chris Waddle and the rest of the England team helped make this our number 1.
Special mention to John Barnes, who took a side step from the football field to record the amazing rap section! We love it!
Relegated to the Subs Bench
Sorry to say, these cheesy offerings from the Spice girls, and from Neil and Christine Hamilton do not make the team:
Which World Cup song will you be singing to support your team?
Do you like the official Euro 2016 song by David Guetta – “This One’s For You“? It is actually pretty upbeat and fun, but we’ll be perfecting our John Barnes rap during half time!
May the best team win!
