England fans have noticed the ‘Three Lions’ lyrics need to be changed.
Last night (14 July) saw Gareth Southgate’s side defeated by Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, 2-1. And it’s fair to say, we’re all pretty gutted.
Many fans have launched that anger into criticising UEFA and Jamie Carragher ended up defending Southgate following a load of backlash.
But other supporters have faced an extra hit as they realised the brutal reality of the lyrics to the 1996 banger.
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A song that fans have now been singing for decades, The Lightning Seeds, Frank Skinner and David Baddiel released ‘Three Lions’ to mark England hosting the Euros that year.
Of course, often known as the ‘It’s Coming Home’ or ‘Football’s Coming Home’ song, it’s stood the test of time in the footie stands.
Except, having lost in the final of the tournament yet again, there's somewhat of an issue in the track’s lyrics.
As you’re probably already singing along in your head (or out loud - go for it, lads) now, part of the song goes: “Cause I remember, Three lions on a shirt! Jules Rimet still gleaming, Thirty years of hurt, Never stopped me dreaming.”
But one fan pointed out on X: “I have just been struck (like a smooth criminal) that after England lost the euro final last night, Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds’ 1996 song with ‘30 years of hurt’ has officially become 60 years of hurt.”
Ok, well don’t put us down too far, it’s actually 58 years of hurt – if that makes it any better. Although, really, it will be 60 as a minimum as the next men’s World Cup is in 2026.
But yep, if you’re deciding to ignore the fact the women’s team, the Lionesses, actually won their Euros only two years ago, it’s now been 58 years since the men’s team won anything – the 1966 World Cup.
Bet that makes things sting a little more.
Although, of course, many optimistic fans decide at every men’s tournament to just sing ‘no more years of hurt’ instead.
Last night was the second Euros final in a row that Southgate’s team has lost, after those penalties against Italy in 2021.
Before that, England’s only major tournament final was 1966.
When we won the World Cup back then, beating West Germany 4-2 at (the old) Wembley, fans probably didn’t think that would be our only success for at least six decades. At least the women are winning us stuff, but come on, lads, let’s end it at 60 in 2026. Please.
Topics: Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Football, Sport, Music
Jess Battison