Claims that the iconic football anthem 'Three Lions' is set to be banned from the Football Association's (FA) matchday playlist have been rubbished by the governing body.
It was reported that the song performed by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and Scouse band The Lightning Seeds was going to be removed from the songs played during England home matches over fears it offended opposition fans. The tune was originally recorded for Euro 96, which was hosted by England, and has remained a popular song for football fans ever since.
However, following the reports, the FA have issued a statement vehemently denying this is the case. It says that the song is "about the hope of following the England team" and it remains part of its plans to continue playing it.
The statement 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 forward."
When it was released in 1996, the song topped the UK charts. A revised version produced for the 1998 World Cup in France also went to number one.
England fans are known to sing the most famous lyric "football's coming home" during matches and gatherings before and after games. It has also been taken on and adapted by other teams with Italy supporters saying "It's coming Rome" during their Euro 2020 victory over England.
It has also been taken on by German players, with iconic striker Jurgen Klinsmann admitting that the team were singing along to it during Euro 96, which they won and knocked out England in the semi-finals. The team then sang a rendition of it during a victory parade back in Germany in front of a large crowd.
