In time for the World Cup in November, comedian Frank Skinner will release a new version of his English national hymn Three Lions that puts the Lionesses’ astonishing Euros success front and center.
The old classic is being dusted up by Skinner and his longtime partner, Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, as England prepares for yet another attempt to put an end to all those years of pain, this time in the small Middle Eastern nation of Qatar.
The new tune, which was produced by 65-year-old Skinner in Broudie’s home studio, begins with a tribute to the England women’s team for winning the European Championship in July.
Skinner said: “I won’t disclose where it goes, but it starts like this… “Loving that Lionesses win”” during an appearance on his Absolute Radio program.
From then, it continues by recalling both the misstep and the wonderful moment.
On Thursday, “We’re shooting the video,”
The Three Lions hymn, with its catchy “football’s coming home” melody, has serenaded most of the international football competitions since it was made famous by England’s “almost” victory at home in Euro 96.
When the brave women’s team won a significant event earlier this year, they accomplished what the men had been unable to achieve for so many years by defeating the German team, of all teams, in the final after extra time.
Chloe Kelly scored the game-winning goal after Ella Toone had tied the score in the 62nd minute with an exquisite lob.
However, it is now their time to support their male colleagues, who they believe have been motivated by what they have accomplished.
The three lions that make up the England team’s logo are the source of the song’s name.
David Badiel, 58, who is Skinner’s comedy partner, was a member of the original three who sang the song; he will appear in the most recent rendition and provide his voice once again.
In 1998, a new version was published in time for the World Cup, and both songs reached the top of the UK charts during football season.
This year’s World Cup is different from all others that came before it since it will be held in the winter to make up for the very high summer temperatures that Qatar experiences.
But apart from the date, there have been other World Cup-related controversies, including criticism of Qatar’s human rights record and the working conditions of migrant laborers who built the stadiums.