The FA has said there are no plans to ban England football anthem Three Lions from the World Cup later this year. It follows reports earlier that the popular song would be replaced.
In a statement, the FA said: "Contrary to reports this morning, the FA still plays Three Lions at major Wembley matches and has never had any intention of doing otherwise. The song belongs to the fans and is about the hope of following the England team.
"It was requested by the FA to be played as one of our team songs at the 2018 World Cup and at the EUROs last summer and this is our plan at tournaments going forwards."
Earlier today it was reported that the song, first released for Euro 96 by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds, would be banned at this winter's World Cup in Qatar. The Sun said the FA was looking to pick a different song to be played at matches - possibly Sweet Caroline.
The paper claimed discussions were under way at FA headquarters over which song would be played ahead of England matches in Qatar, with Three Lions falling out of favour. Critics dislike the song, claiming 'It's Coming Home' is arrogant.
But fans called for the song to be saved. Speaking before the FA confirmed the song would remain, Euro 96 hero Paul Gascoigne told The Sun: "That song is in our DNA. It helped us in 1996 and it’ll help the boys in Qatar. The FA have totally lost the plot.”
He added: “You can’t take that song off us. Sweet Caroline doesn’t come close. It would be like saying we can’t wave St George’s flags anymore. This woke nonsense has no place in football. It’s just a great song.
TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan said: “This is a ridiculous idea. The song is all about wallowing in 30 years of hurt and pain at not winning anything, how can anyone say it is arrogant. We should absolutely stick with Three Lions.”
Each of the countries competing in the World Cup in Qatar in November and December must nominate a song to be played before kick-off.
Three Lions co-creator David Baddiel said last year: “I think it's the notion — misinterpreted by many people — that football's coming home means that England owns football and we are the homeland of football. Which historically is the case. We were the first one to ratify the rules of the game.
“But somehow that's offensive to other FAs - like the Croatian FA or whatever.”
