Three Lions 2010 (Football's Coming Home)

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Three Lions 2010 was recorded by The Squad, a collective including Robbie Williams, Russell Brand, Frank Skinner, David Baddiel and Ian Broudie of The Lightning Seeds, for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Released in June that year, the single was a reworking of the original 1996 football anthem written by Baddiel, Skinner and Broudie, which had become synonymous with the England national team. The 2010 version, produced by Trevor Horn, featured new vocals, added choral parts and updated lyrics referencing England’s 44-year wait for a World Cup victory.

Williams recorded his parts at Horn’s Bel Air studio in Los Angeles, joining the project after several years of requests for him to take part in a football song. A lifelong supporter of Port Vale and founder of Soccer Aid, he agreed to perform on the track, saying it was the only football anthem that could not be bettered. His involvement brought additional attention to the release, which entered the UK Singles Chart at number 21.

Musically, Horn expanded the production of the 1996 version with fuller instrumentation, gospel-style backing vocals and a soprano solo by Olivia Safe. Despite the modernisation, it retained the chant of “It’s coming home,” now one of the most recognisable refrains in British pop culture. The recording also featured commentary excerpts from John Motson and contributions from The ACM Gospel Choir, emphasising its celebratory tone.

“I’ve always been asked to do football songs, but Three Lions could never be beaten. It’s an honour to sing on the only one that really matters.”Robbie Williams

Though the 2010 version did not replicate the chart success of its predecessors, it reaffirmed the enduring appeal of Three Lions as a national sporting anthem. Williams’s appearance alongside Skinner, Baddiel and Broudie bridged generations of fans, adding his voice to one of England’s most iconic popular songs.