In 1996, comedian duo David Baddiel and Frank Skinner teamed with songwriter Ian Broudie to create the football anthem that would echo across England’s terraces. The song burst onto the scene during Euro 96, resonating with fans who felt the nation's footballing frustrations.

The anthem’s rise mirrored England’s tumultuous journey: a 1966 World Cup memory, the 1990 penalty heartbreak, and a 1994 qualification failure. Baddiel recalls how the lyrics, “30 years of hurt,” struck a chord with a generation eager for triumph.

Players such as Alan Shearer and Gareth Southgate initially brushed off the track, but it soon became a rallying cry during matches, notably when Shearer scored the opening goal against Switzerland. The crowd’s spontaneous chorus at Wembley cemented the song’s legacy.

Today, Three Lions endures as the soundtrack for every England squad, its chorus echoing from Kaliningrad to Qatar. The anthem remains a unifying force, proving that music can outlast any on‑field result.