For England fans, few phrases are more recognisable than "It's coming home." The line is tied closely to Three Lions, the song that has become one of the country’s defining football anthems, and it has stayed in the conversation through every new tournament cycle.
That is part of why songs matter so much in England football culture. They are not just background noise. They become chants, memories and a way for supporters to connect different eras of the national team.
Three Lions and the line that stuck
Three Lions was first released in 1996, and its reach has only grown since then. Co-written by David Baddiel, the song includes the famous "Football's coming home" line that supporters have repeated ever since. It returned with another burst of momentum in 2018, showing how a song from one summer can keep finding new life with each England run.
The appeal is easy to understand. The song captures hope, frustration and belief in a way that fits England tournament football. That mix has made it more than a novelty track. It has become part of the country’s sporting language.
The other songs England fans have claimed
World In Motion arrived first, with New Order making it for England's 1990 World Cup campaign. Like Three Lions, it became more than a one-off release and settled into the broader soundtrack of England support.
Sweet Caroline is another example of a song taking on a life of its own. Neil Diamond's track had already been used in domestic club celebrations before Euro 2020, when it became the unofficial theme song. Its rise showed how a familiar singalong can quickly become part of a major tournament atmosphere.
Then there is Hey Jude, which fans have sung to Jude Bellingham because of his first name. The chant began a few years ago when Bellingham was playing at Dortmund, and England fans have kept it going over the last couple of years. It is a simple example of how fans turn a player’s name into a chant that sticks.
Wonderwall has also found its place in the mix. In England's last game against Mexico, players joined fans to sing it, which showed how quickly a song can move from terrace anthem to team moment.
Why the songs matter
The Beatles' Hey Jude, Three Lions, World In Motion, Sweet Caroline and Wonderwall are all different songs for different reasons. But they share one thing: they help define the fan experience around England.
That is why "It's coming home" has lasted. It is more than a lyric. It is a chant, a mood and a shorthand for England football hope, renewed every time a tournament begins.
