Here
is our definitive
top 5 – *Warning
may induce nostalgia*
5.
Fat Les – Vindaloo
The English typically tend to be rather modest when
it comes to patriotism compared to their European neighbors and American
cousins but this can all be changed in 3 minutes 54 seconds of audible
nationalism. Fat les were composed of Blur bassist, Alex James, Damien Hirst and the lyrics were
written by comedian Keith Allen the record was first released for France ‘98. Who can forget such classic lines such as "We're England; we're gonna
score one more than you" and "we all like vindaloo". This cult classic remains the song of choice for the diehard England Fan.
4.
Shakira – Waka Waka (This Time for
Africa)
The first World Cup to be held on the African
continent required a fitting soundtrack, no not the vuvuzela but Shakira and South African band Freshleyground produced the most successful world cup song to
date. The Colombian has also released a track for
Brazil 2014 “La La La”, despite the video featuring the best football
stars in the world awkwardly dancing topless, it’s certainly no Waka Waka.
3.
Dario G – Carnival De Paris
2. WORLD IN MOTION – ENGLAND NEW ORDER (Feat. John Barnes)
The Italia ’90's Fifa Concert on the
evening before the final saw Pavarotti belt out Nessun Dorma(which narrowly missed out on a spot in the top 5) the tournament also saw
England produced their best performance in a World Cup since 1966 and a genuinely good song, new wave heavyweights New
Order and co-writing again from Keith Allen, the song is most notable for that rap
by star winger John Barnes. Absolute classic.
1.
Three Lions – Baddiel/Skinner/Lightning Seeds
It’s 1996 Britpop phenomenon is at its peak, enter the dream team of Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds to combine with one of England's most famous sporting
summers.
Terry Venables' side which of course featured the legends of Shearer,
Lineker and Gareth Southgate, and the iconic Gazza specular solo strike and
‘dentist chair‘ celebration to sink Scotland. Only then for the lyrics to ring
oh so true in the semi-finals, as Germany, once again, ended the England dream
- but only after a truly special encounter. So popular was the tune that it
reached number one in the UK chart, even other teams liked it, Jürgen
Klinsmann Germany admitted they sung it on their way to the to the semi-final and
eventually adopted it as there own anthem for the World cup in 2006, thus securing its place at number 1.
According to John Motson, "As football songs
go, Three Lions is certainly the best", and who would we to disagree with Motty.