Three Lions on a Shirt: The Official History of the England Football Jersey

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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 first one came from Henry I - known as the lion of England - who had a lion on his standard on taking power in 1100. Shortly afterwards he married Adeliza, whose father also had a lion on his shield, and to commemorate the event he added a second lion to his standard. In 1154, two lions became three when Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine, who - yes, you've guessed it - also had a lion her family crest.Rolls-Royce is GONE in 30 seconds! Moment key-less car thieves steal luxury SUV on owner's driveway Which current league club(s) have been promoted the most times and which has been relegated the most times?" asks Dan Nicholls. Skinner sings 'loving the Lionesses win' during the opening verse, before singing the chorus: 'Three Lions on a sleigh, with She-Lions inspiration. Santa says let’s play, the Christmas tree formation.' But football fans are questioning the decision to release it again - with some suggesting it is so toe-curling and saccharin-sweet that it makes them want to vomit. Many suggested it was just Skinner and Baddiel cashing in by 'flogging Three Lions song to death'.

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.

Ding Dong Merrily on Sky…oh no it’s not on Sky…it has to be on terrestrial doesn’t it…for legal reasons… And to this day, the three lions can still be seen flying proudly on the UK’s Royal Standard. But why they are on the England shirt? 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?

Palestine protesters defy hate speech warning banners: Thousands march on London shouting controversial 'from the river to the sea' chant - as seven are arrested Then, in 1152, Henry I’s grandson Henry, Duke of Normandy married Eleanor of Aquitaine – whose family also had a lion on its crest. Young Henry himself became King Henry II of England in 1154 – founding the great Plantagenet dynasty They ended up on England shirts when the Football Association was looking for an emblem for the kit its players would wear at international games in the late 19th century. They settled on the three lions and presumably gained royal permission (as this was 1879, that must mean that Queen Victoria was somewhat amused at the idea). 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. 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.Tax cuts are just the beginning! Rishi Sunak says last week's 2p off National Insurance is the 'start of a journey' now he's 'got inflation under control' Fast forward a few decades and Richard was getting ready to choose an emblem of his own. He was the son of King Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine and his powerhouse of a mother also had a lion on her own family coat of arms. So Richard added a third lion to his personal crest and suddenly, we’re singing. 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.