New reports are suggesting that iconic football song Three Lions could be replaced as England’s anthem for the 2022 World Cup.
It’s fair to say that the song – which was released by band The Lightning Seeds in collaboration with comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel over 25 years ago for Euro 96, has been a staple at every major national football tournament ever since – with fans belting out the words “It’s Coming Home” at every opportunity.
But now, a new report in The Sun is claiming that the FA will look to replace the anthem for the upcoming Qatar World Cup because it risks offending other nations.
The Sun explained how all 32 nations taking part in the World Cup later this year have to nominate a song to be played in the build-up to kick-off, but while Three Lions would seem to many to be the obvious choice, bosses at the FA are said to be considering choosing an alternative song instead over fears the tune is seen as “arrogant” by other countries.
There is apparently speculation that Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline is the forerunner to replace it, after the song played a huge part in England’s run the final of Euro 2020.
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Three Lions could be replaced as England’s anthem for the 2022 World Cup / Credit: YouTube
England and Newcastle legend 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.”
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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.”
The nature of the song and the way other countries perceive its meaning is something that critics have already discussed in previous years, and last year in particular, Three Lions co-creator David Baddiel spoke on the matter, explaining: “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.”
An alternative song could be chosen over fears it’s seen as “arrogant” by other countries / Credit: YouTube
Outspoken TalkTV presenter Piers Morgan has also had his say on the matter, calling the proposal to remove Three Lions a “ridiculous idea”, and adding: “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.”
England’s official song choice is expected to be announced after the summer.
Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
Daisy Jackson
Festival-goers have been warned not to take wheelie bins full of alcohol to festivals with them this summer.
The warning has come ahead of this year’s Download Festival, which takes place next month and kicks off the summer’s biggest run of festival dates.
But a major train operator has said there have been incidents in the past of passengers trying to travel to festivals with wheelie bins and luggage trolleys.
Passengers have had to be reminded that wheelie bins are not permitted on board, and they should instead only carry as much luggage as they can comfortably carry.
The warning comes from East Midlands Railway, one of the key services that will whisk people to Download Festival between 10 and 14 June.
Customers returning from the festival are also encouraged to use boot-cleaning brushes provided at stations to help remove mud before boarding trains.
Philippa Cresswell, customer experience director at East Midlands Railway, said: “We’re encouraging customers to travel light.
“Last year, some festive goers tried to board services with wheelie bins or festival trolleys full of beer. While it might seem like a great idea for getting your supplies to the festival, it just isn’t safe or possible to bring them onboard train services.”
Festival-goers urged to stop taking wheelie bins full of booze
EMR has also warned customers to plan journeys in advance, with engineering work taking place at various locations on the Midland Main Line, near where Download Festival takes place.
She continued: “We’re advising customers travelling to Download Festival to plan their journeys in advance and be aware that essential engineering work will affect services across the weekend.
“As a result, some services will be reduced or amended, and passengers should check before they travel and allow extra time.”
The full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’ you’ll soon be able to get for cheaper in the UK
Emily Sergeant
Crisps, biscuits, avocado, and chewing gum are just a few of the items that are soon set to be available for cheaper in the UK.
First announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves last week, the Government has now published a list of more than 100 of key items that are set to see targeted cuts to tariffs, alongside uprating mileage rates for the first time in 15 years and reducing VAT.
It covers a wide range of ‘everyday essentials’ – from fresh fruit and vegetables, oil and baked goods, to chocolate, sauces, and soft drinks.
“The war in Iran isn’t our war, but one we will need to respond to,” Chancellor Reeves commented.
“My priority is keeping prices down for households and businesses. That’s why we’re freezing fuel duty, increasing the mileage rate for the first time in 15 years and slashed VAT temporarily this summer to help reduce the cost of days out.”
Full list of 125 ‘everyday essentials’
Garlic
Gherkins
Aubergines
Sweet peppers
Other peppers (capsicum/pimenta)
Olives (fresh/chilled)
Olives (for oil production)
Olives (frozen)
Plantains (fresh and dried)
Bananas (fresh and dried)
Limes
Citrus fruits (various)
Avocados
Fresh figs
Dried figs
Other fresh fruits
Frozen fruits
Dried apricots
Dried apples
Dried peaches/nectarines
Dried pears
Dried papaya
Mixed dried fruit
Mixed nuts
Mixed fruit and nuts
Green tea
Buckwheat
Fonio
Quinoa
Olive oil (extra virgin)
Olive oil (virgin)
Olive oil (other)
Margarine
Mixed fats and oils
Vegetable oils
Chewing gum
Liquorice products
White chocolate
Marzipan and pastes
Throat pastilles
Sugar confectionery
Boiled sweets
Toffees and caramels
Sugar tablets
Cocoa paste
Cocoa powder
Chocolate (bulk and retail)
Chocolate bars
Chocolate with fruit, nuts or cereal
Chocolate spreads
Chocolate drink preparations
Couscous
Crispbread
Gingerbread
Biscuits
Waffles and wafers
Rusks
Toasted bread products
Bread
Pizzas and quiches
Pickled peppers
Prepared vegetables
Crisps
Processed potatoes
Baked beans
Preserved beans
Preserved vegetables
Preserved tropical fruit
Candied fruit
Jams and marmalades
Preserved citrus fruits
Mixed preserved fruit and nuts
Tomato ketchup
Tomato sauces
Soups and broths
Non-alcoholic beverages
Plant-based drinks
Crisps and fresh fruit are two of the items set to see targeted tariff cuts / Credit: Esperanza Doronila | Jonas Kakaroto (via Unsplash)
The Government says these cuts support the action it has already taken to reduce the cost of living – including freezing prescription charges, protecting motorists from fuel duty increases, and raising the minimum wage.
The list of everyday essentials set to see targeted cuts to tariffs comes after the Great British Summer Savings initiative was announced last week.
This means that, from 25 June through to 1 September 2026, a temporary reduced rate of VAT – down from 20% to 5% – will be introduced on children’s meals in restaurants and family leisure activities over the summer period.
Emily Sergeant -
5th May 2022 
