The FA have quickly moved to quash claims that 'Three Lions' would be axed for the World Cup in Qatar later this year.
Wembley chiefs were reportedly reviewing options that would see David Baddiel and Frank Skinner's beloved anthem that declares "Football's Coming Home" dropped in place of a 'less offensive' alternative. The Euro '96 tune has been sung by fans at every tournament England have competed in since its popular release, but foreign nations have criticised the perceived arrogance of its lyrics.
Neil Diamond 's fan favourite 'Sweet Caroline' had been tipped to replace Three Lions, but the FA have made it clear that they have no plans to make any changes to the essential ingredient of the England matchday experience. 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. Critics rapidly slammed the potential decision, including the legendary Paul Gascoigne, who was the star of England's march to the semi-finals in 1996 and railed against the "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."
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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?" UEFA prevented comedians Baddiel and Skinner from singing the hit before the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy at Wembley last summer because it was viewed as too 'partisan'.
Italy ran out winners after a dramatic penalty shoot-out, with defender Leonardo Bonucci claiming that the lyrics spurred the Azzurri on. "Absolutely [it was motivation]. We heard it day in day out ever since Wednesday night since the Denmark game that the cup would be coming home to London," Bonucci declared. "Sorry for them but actually the cup will be taking a nice flight to Rome."
