Euro 2020: Learn all the chants sung by England fans ahead of the final

From Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ to Atomic Kitten’s tribute to Gareth Southgate, here’s all the lyrics you need to know

Sunday 11 July 2021 10:23 EDT

England fans cheer during England v Denmark on 7 July, 2020 (Getty Images)

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After Wednesday’s 2-1 win against Denmark, England fans could witness the national team bring football home for the first time in more than half a century on Sunday.

Following an intense game, squad captain Harry Kane cemented England’s place in the upcoming Euro 2020 final against Italy, scoring a winning goal in extra time. It marks the first time England have made it through to the final stages of an international tournament since 1966.

It was a momentous occasion; those watching the game at Wembley were sent into delirium, while the sound of people singing their favourite chants, either in their homes, at outdoor venues or on the street, could be heard up and down the country.

While fans have waxed odes to their favourite players over the years, the upbeat tone and simplicity of “Three Lions” means it has managed to keep hold of its status as the de facto chorus of English football.

Another firm favourite, dubbed the “unofficial national anthem” amongst football fans, is “Sweet Caroline”, with both England players and spectators at Wembley belting out the words to Neil Diamond’s classic following their historic win on Wednesday.

Ahead of the action at the tournament’s final on Sunday, 11 July, we’ve rounded up English football’s most popular chants so you’ve got time to learn the lyrics before the historic game.

Three Lions (It’s Coming Home)

As England prepared to compete in the 1996 UEFA European Championship, comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner teamed up with rock band The Lightning Seeds to bring the nation “Three Lions (It’s Coming Home)”. In the years since the song’s chorus has become one of England’s most popular chants.

Standing the test of time, the song re-enters the UK Singles Chart whenever England participates in major tournaments, even reaching number one in 2018 when England made it through to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

“I think it’s bad news for the English game

We’re not creative enough, and we’re not positive enough

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

Everyone seems to know the score, they’ve seen it all before

They just know, they’re so sure

That England’s gonna throw it away, gonna blow it away

But I know they can play, ‘cause I remember

Three lions on a shirt

Jules Rimet still gleaming

Thirty years of hurt

Never stopped me dreaming

So many jokes, so many sneers

But all those “Oh, so near”s wear you down through the years

But I still see that tackle by Moore and when Lineker scored

Bobby belting the ball, and Nobby dancing

Three lions on a shirt

Jules Rimet still gleaming

Thirty years of hurt

Never stopped me dreaming

England have done it, in the last minute of extra time!

What a save, Gordon Banks!

Good old England, England that couldn’t play football!

England have got it in the bag!

I know that was then, but it could be again

It’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home (England have done it!)

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s coming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Three lions on a shirt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Jules Rimet still gleaming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Thirty years of hurt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Never stopped me dreaming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Three lions on a shirt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Jules Rimet still gleaming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Thirty years of hurt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Never stopped me dreaming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Three lions on a shirt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Jules Rimet still gleaming

Football’s coming home

(It’s coming home) Thirty years of hurt

(It’s coming home, it’s coming) Never stopped me dreaming

Football’s coming home”

Southgate You’re The One

A relatively new chant, created in appreciation of England manager, Gareth Southgate, “Southgate You’re The One” rewrites the lyrics of Atomic Kitten’s throwback classic, “Whole Again”.

The chant has proven so popular that the girl group have reunited in the name of football spirit. After footage of Liz McClarnon, Jenny Frost and Natasha Hamilton performing the new take on their song at a number of venues emerged, they have now released it as an official single.

Putting a football-themed spin on the 2000 single, fans have been chanting the following:

“If you see me walking down the street

Staring at the sky

And dragging my two feet

You just pass me by

It still makes me cry

But football’s coming home again

And if you see me in the stands

I’m laughing and I’m joking

Doing what I can

I won’t put you down

‘Cause I want you around