World Cup 2018: Gareth Southgate reveals he hated England’s ‘Three Lions anthem’ after Euro 96 heartache
Fans are singing the hit again as England fever hits the country
GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed he has hated the Three Lions football anthem for two decades.
Fans are singing the hit again as England fever hits the country but the Lightning Seeds song was the anthem for Euro 96 - when Southgate missed a penalty in the semi-finals.
The England manager said: "Football’s Coming Home - I couldn’t listen to it for 20 years, frankly. It has a slightly different feel for me, but it’s nice to hear people enjoying it again."
Midfielder Jordan Henderson said: "It’s a special feeling to know people back home and here are enjoying the experience as much as we are.
"All the celebrations inspire us as players to bring the nation together and put smiles on people’s faces.
"That’s the biggest thing so far. We want to continue doing everybody proud."
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Southgate was also asked whether he would be giving an extra tickets for tomorrow’s semi-final against Croatia to any old friends.
He added: "I always think big matches are a bit like weddings.
"You have a day reception and then an evening, and you have to make decision who comes in the day and then in the evening.
"It is impossible to make those decisions without upsetting half of your friends. It’s a very short change around, so I’ve just got my family coming.
"But whenever you are involved in a tournament like this you think about those who have helped me along the way: every coach and teacher, players I’ve played with.
"I’ve had lovely messages from people who have had a big influence in my life, and why I’m sitting here today.
"You’re always conscious of those who have helped you, and my parents before them.
"Those who were there for you in difficult times, as well as when things were going well."
Southgate admits he was stunned when they would be throwing chickens around at training today.
The Three Lions stars joked around while throwing the rubber birds at their training ground near St Petersburg.
Asked about why they were throwing a chicken about, Southgate said: “That’s exactly what I asked our fitness coach as well. What is that all about?
“Our physical performance coaches try to keep refreshing the warm-ups for the players and keep them stimulated, a bit of fun to get them moving. Some mobility exercises.”
At his pre-match press conference here in Moscow, Southgate also laughed that tomorrow has been dubbed Waistcoast Wednesday due to the M&S clothing he wears during games.
He said: “I was not a renowned fashion icon through my playing career, so it’s rather strange to be one now. We’re really proud of the support we’re receiving. Our country has had a long time of suffering in terms of football.
“The enthusiasm they have for these players, not only because of the way they’ve played but how they’ve conducted themselves. Our country has been through some difficult moments recently in terms of its unity, but sport can unite. Football can unite. We can feel the energy and support from home, and that’s a privilege for us.”