AMP Article

Sorry England, the Three Lions anthem isn’t about winning

Published July 4, 2026 · Updated July 4, 2026 · By Linda Johnson

The Unlikely Origins of 'It's Coming Home'

Sorry England the Three Lions anthem - For many, the anthem "It’s Coming Home" is an enduring symbol of England’s footballing ambition, a chorus that echoes through stadiums and living rooms alike. Yet, according to its creator, Ian Broudie, the song was never intended to be a victory anthem. While it has become an anthem of national pride, Broudie insists its original purpose was far more modest—a reflection of a specific moment in time rather than a declaration of winning.

A Collaboration Beyond Football

In 1996, Ian Broudie, the frontman of The Lightning Seeds, joined forces with David Baddiel and Frank Skinner to craft what would become one of the most recognizable tracks in English football history. Though Broudie was initially hesitant to take on the project, the trio’s partnership led to a creation that would transcend the sport. The song, with its catchy melody and relatable lyrics, was initially a fun experiment but soon found a home in the hearts of fans.

The track’s resonance grew over the years, becoming a staple for both men’s and women’s national teams as they competed in major tournaments like the Euros and the World Cup. However, Broudie, now 67, recalls that the song was never about the act of winning itself. Instead, it was a tribute to the excitement surrounding the 1996 European Championship, the first major international competition to be held in England since 1966.

Revisiting the Roots of the Song

During a recent interview ahead of a Somerset House Summer Series performance, Broudie shared his perspective on the track’s significance. “It’s coming home referred to the competition,” he explained. “That was the first one in England since 1966, so it was all about going to the event.” This insight sheds light on the song’s original intent, which was to capture the anticipation and hope of a nation preparing to host a major football event rather than celebrate a win.

“I think it’s a song about dreaming,” Broudie reflected. “Whenever that dream is re-evoked, I go back to the song.”

Broudie also noted the unexpected popularity of the track, which has since taken on a life of its own. He admitted that the song’s association with England’s footballing journey was something he and his collaborators never anticipated. “The trio had no idea it would gain this much traction,” he said, highlighting how the anthem’s cultural impact far exceeds its initial purpose.

The Weight of Legacy

Despite its global appeal, Broudie has often expressed a desire to be remembered for his other work, particularly his debut single “Pure.” Released in 1989 as part of an unfinished three-song demo, “Pure” climbed to number 14 on the UK charts. Though incomplete, the track remains a personal favorite for Broudie, who praised its raw energy and the authenticity of its lyrics.

“I wouldn’t change Pure now,” he said. “It has a positivity that feels genuine, and the slightly off-key vocals add to its charm.”

Interestingly, the band’s initial approach to the song was cautious. When The Lightning Seeds released their third album, *Jollification*, in 1996, they opted to exclude “It’s Coming Home” from their setlist, wanting to focus on their other work. But the crowd’s enthusiastic reception at their gigs—especially the sight of dads and sons wearing England shirts—prompted them to reconsider. “We had to face the fact that the song was already part of the collective memory,” Broudie remarked.

Three Lions and the Power of Nostalgia

As the years passed, the song’s meaning evolved. While it was originally tied to the 1996 European Championship, it now resonates with a broader audience, becoming a symbol of national identity and resilience. Broudie, who joked about being the “interim singer” for The Lightning Seeds, admitted he once hesitated to perform it, fearing it might overshadow his other contributions. However, he now embraces the track as a natural part of their musical legacy.

“I was just unsure how to treat it,” Broudie explained. “It was slightly separate [to the Lightning Seeds].”

He also acknowledged the unique dynamic of the song’s vocals. “David and Frank are not singers in the traditional sense,” he said. “Frank’s very musical, but I’m not gonna say David’s very musical. They sing the verses, and it’s very narrative. There’s probably an element that you can relate to it.” This blend of storytelling and simplicity is what has allowed the song to endure, even as its creators have moved on from the project.

Future Plans and Unchanging Legacy

With the band set to perform “It’s Coming Home” at their Somerset House gig on July 19, the timing feels almost poetic. The date coincides with the Men’s World Cup final, a nod to the song’s enduring connection to England’s footballing aspirations. Despite this, Broudie remains humble about the anthem’s role in history, noting that it has become more than just a song—it’s a cultural touchstone.

“I think a lot of the charm of David and Frank’s vocals … they’re not singers. Frank’s very musical, but I’m not gonna say David’s very musical.”

Broudie also shared that he wouldn’t re-record the song, even if the idea is tempting. “Once a record or a song is out there, it’s not yours anymore,” he explained. “It means a different thing to all those people. So when you change it, I don’t know, you might be altering it to how you want it, but actually, it already is something for them.” This sentiment underscores the song’s transformation into a shared memory, rather than a personal creation.

Looking ahead, Broudie humorously noted that he might not be immortalized in a new version of the anthem. “I won’t be immortalised in a Three Lions ’26,” he said, laughing. “It seems strange now that the song I once fretted over has become such a natural part of our sets.”

From Humble Beginnings to National Anthem

The song’s journey from a casual collaboration to a national anthem is a testament to the unpredictable nature of art. Broudie, who described the track as a “lightning strike” of creativity, admitted he never could have predicted its lasting impact. “It was like lightning strike, and I don’t know that formula, really,” he said, reflecting on the serendipity of its creation.

Even as the band prepares to perform the track again, the song’s evolution continues. While it was once a nostalgic reminder of the 1996 Euros, it now represents a broader spirit of unity and hope. Broudie’s words remind us that the power of music often lies in its ability to outlive its original intent, becoming something greater than its creators ever imagined.