Home / Sports / The Enduring Legacy of England's Three Lions Emblem
The Enduring Legacy of England's Three Lions Emblem
13 Nov
Summary
- England's football emblem dates back to the 12th century
- The three lions were first adopted by Henry II after his marriage
- The emblem was cemented in popular culture by the 1996 song "Three Lions"
As of November 13th, 2025, the three lions have remained the enduring emblem of England's football team since the formation of the Football Association in 1863. The symbol's history, however, dates back much further, to the 12th century.
The lion has been associated with the Royal Family since the reign of Henry I (1100-1135), who included a single lion in his coat of arms. His grandson, Henry II (1154-1189), later added a second lion to his crest after his marriage. It was only during the reign of Henry II's son, Richard I (1189-1199), that the three lions were officially adopted as the royal arms and popularized.
This iconic emblem has since become deeply ingrained in English football culture. The three lions were worn by the national team in their first official international match against Scotland in 1872, and the symbol's significance was further cemented in 1996 with the release of the popular song "Three Lions" by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, and the band The Lightning Seeds.
