The FA has quashed rumours claiming the anthem 'Three Lions' would be 'banned' for the World Cup in Qatar later this year. Reports had suggested Wembley chiefs were considering new options after deeming the iconic track to be 'too offensive' to other nations.
The news was not received well by England fans with the David Baddiel and Frank Skinner hit being a regular feature of every England campaign since its release ahead of Euro 96 - but foreign nations have criticised the perceived arrogance of its lyrics.
An early favourite to replace the song was Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline' but the FA has made it clear there are currently no plans to do so, The Mirror reports.
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An official statement read: "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 it 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."
The official England Twitter account also tweeted a video of the tune blaring out of the Wembley speakers as the team celebrated victory in 2019.
Among those to criticise the rumoured change was Newcastle United hero Paul Gascoigne. The legend, who was the star of England's march to the semi-finals in 1996, labelled it a "nonsense" idea.
"The FA have totally lost the plot... You can't take that song off us, it would be like saying we can't wave St George's flags anymore," the 54-year-old told The Sun. "This woke nonsense has no place in football. It's just a great song."
Piers Morgan agreed with Gascoigne's verdict, adding: "This song is all about wallowing in 30 years of pain and hurt and not winning anything - how can anyone say it's arrogant?"
In 2018, Croatia’s players allegedly used the classic song as a motivational tool ahead of their 2-1 triumph over Gareth Southgate’s team at the last World Cup in Moscow.
In more recent times the Italian fans at Wembley sarcastically sang: “It’s coming to Rome” after the Azzuri won on penalties in the Euro 2020 final.
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