England’s It’s Coming Home anthem faces axe at World Cup because it’s seen as ‘arrogant’

England’s ‘Three Lions’ anthem could be banned at this year’s World Cup because it ‘annoys other countries’.

According to The Sun, discussions are under way at FA headquarters over which song will be played ahead of England matches in Qatar, with the Euro 96 anthem reportedly falling out of favour.

According to ministers, the phrase – which is taken from the Lightning Seeds’ parody song ‘Three Lions’ – is disliked by other countries and seen as ‘arrogant’. 

Reports claim FA bosses are considering replacing ‘Three Lions’ with ‘Sweet Caroline’ by Neil Diamond instead.

An England source told the newspaper that England manager Gareth Southgate hasn’t been involved with the discussions.

They said: “Gareth Southgate isn’t involved in the debate but he may well have decidedly mixed memories about 1996 after missing the penalty which knocked us out in the semi.”

The source added: “The FA have always countered the song’s negatives by stressing that it’s all about hope — but there’s a feeling it might be time for a change.

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“We have a great squad and a great chance in Qatar so it might be better to look forward from now on rather than back.”

Predictably, this news hasn’t sat well with many England fans, with football icon Paul Gascoigne saying the anthem is ‘part of the country’s DNA’. 

He said: “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.

“You can’t take that song off us. ‘Sweet Caroline’ doesn’t come close.”

Three Lions became the official pre-match song during Euro ’96, when England famously lost on penalties in the semi-final against Germany.

And ever since, the song has become England’s somewhat ironic football soundtrack as the team have repeatedly failed to bring home trophies.

The final song choice will be announced later this summer after all thirty-two nations taking part in the tournament nominate their own anthems.