For decades, England's World Cup anthems have ranged from the overconfident to the cringeworthy. The 1986 offering 'We've Got The Whole World At Our Feet' and 2002's 'We're On The Ball' promised more than the team delivered. Embarrassing covers like 'Come On England' (set to Dexys Midnight Runners' 'Come On Eileen') and a dire reworking of Tears For Fears' 'Shout' added to the list of musical missteps.
In 1998, two anthems battled for chart supremacy: '3 Lions '98' by the Lightning Seeds with Baddiel and Skinner, and Fat Les' 'Vindaloo' — a parody that inexplicably became a fan chant despite its nonsensical lyrics about a Goan curry. 'Vindaloo' reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, but England crashed out in the Round of 16 on penalties.
Now, 28 years later, England may have finally found a worthy anthem. The team's travelling supporters have taken to singing Oasis' 'Wonderwall' with the players after full-time. The tradition began on 17 June at Dallas Stadium, following England's 4-2 victory over Croatia. Players Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon were seen mouthing the lyrics, and captain Harry Kane called it "one of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt."
A New Tradition Takes Hold
Kane added: "It's the emotional connection with the fans, we know how much it means to them. They see how much it means to us. We have that connection right now." The ritual has continued, and both Noel and Liam Gallagher have given their blessing. Noel told the Sun: "Wonderwall belongs to the people, and it was a magical moment between the people and the players." Liam posted on X: "Cmon England cmon Wonderwall."
Why does a nostalgic love song work as a football anthem? For one, it's a universally known tune. Released in 1995 on Oasis' album '(What's The Story) Morning Glory?', 'Wonderwall' is the band's biggest-selling song and was crowned the most-streamed song from the 1970s to the 1990s by the Official Charts Company in 2024. Its familiarity makes it easy for crowds to join in, creating a sense of communion.
The song has re-entered the UK singles chart, and Spotify reports a 50% spike in UK streams. Liam responded: "And rightly so it's a fucking classic and I sound BIBLICAL on it."
England secured a late 2-1 win against DR Congo on 1 July, with Kane scoring a double. They face Mexico in Mexico City on 6 July. Liam has predicted a 3-0 victory for England. Whether the 'Wonderwall' tradition lasts until the final on 19 July in New York remains to be seen. But for now, it's a rare moment of harmony between fans and players — a connection that transcends the usual football anthem clichés.
