He and David Baddiel subsequently revived and re-recorded “Three Lions” with updated lyrics for both France 98 and the South Africa World Cup in 2010 but, if you still only know the chorus, here are the lyrics in full (vintage commentary in italics).

The short answer is that England wear the three lions on their shirts - as they have done ever since the first international against Scotland in 1872 - because, as representatives of the Football Association, they're simply sporting the logo of the FA. The Azzurri wear blue because it is the colour of Savoia, the ruling house of Italy from 1861 to 1946. When the Italian Republic was established in 1946, the tricolour was adopted as the national flag - however Italy's famous azure blue kit remained. Baddiel: ‘The Lionesses brought it home. Football came home with the Lionesses. And some might say that should be the end of it. Stop singing it. But we decided to give it one more go on the basis that the blokes haven’t brought it home'.

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Immortalised by England's semi-final performance at home at Euro 96, the Three Lions anthem - and its iconic 'football's coming home' chorus - has serenaded most of the international footballs tournaments between then and now. So now you know. For a fuller answer see the July 12, 2000 edition in the Knowledge Archive, where you can also find out why Germany's away kit is green. I will never see my children grow up': British father's anguish as he learns his daughter, 12, was murdered by Hamas thugs in Israeli Kibbutz massacre six weeks ago - in atrocity that also killed her twin brother In 1984, Richardson scooped the first part of a personal treble by winning the FA Cup with Everton. Then, five years later, he was part of the Arsenal side that famously won the title at Anfield with Michael Thomas's last-minute goal.The three lions proved so popular that they reigned supreme on the English royal arms for over a century until Edward III added in some French lilies. But despite alterations and additions ever since, the three lions have always remained an integral part of the arms. Which current league club(s) have been promoted the most times and which has been relegated the most times?" asks Dan Nicholls. Speaking about the song, Skinner said: 'We just had to do it. Christmas World Cup songs are not like buses.

My club, Albion Rovers, failed to renew manager John McVeigh's contract in the close-season. He has consequently taken a job at Stenhousemuir and has signed nine of "his" team from last season. Is this some sort of record for number of transfers between senior clubs?" asks Tommy. It was their son Richard the Lionheart – famed for his exploits in the Crusades (he actually spent very little time in England, was once held for ransom by an Austrian and a German, and was killed by a Frenchman while besieging a castle) – who decided to combine all three lions to make up his arms.

There is also several nods to The Lionesses who won Euro 2022 this summer, England's 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst is a carol singer and Frank Skinner even dresses as Noddy Holder from Slade. This time it features Christmas-themed lyrics - including 'Three Lions on a sleigh' and 'football's coming home for Christmas' as well as a festive music video featuring a World Cup made with a Christmas pudding and custard. Why do Italy play in blue when their national flag does not contain this colour?" asks Kerry Gallant. Look closely and you’ll see the lions have company with more royal links. There are also ten Tudor roses on the badge worn proudly by England’s footballers but, for some reason, the floral motif has never been as famous. Northern Lights to shine across parts of the UK tonight: Is your area going to be illuminated as Aurora Borealis lights up the night sky?