What is the history of the three lions emblem used by the England football team?

The three lions emblem has been associated with the Royal Family since the 12th century, when Henry I first included a single lion in his coat of arms. The three lions were later popularized by Henry II after his marriage, and the symbol was officially adopted as the royal arms during the reign of his son, Richard I.

When did the three lions first become associated with the English Royal Family?

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. The three lions were later adopted by his grandson, Henry II (1154-1189), after his marriage, and the symbol was officially popularized as the royal arms during the reign of Henry II's son, Richard I (1189-1199).

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The Enduring Legacy of England's Three Lions Emblem

Q: How did the three lions become an iconic symbol of English football?

The three lions emblem has been used as England's football crest since the formation of the Football Association in 1863. The symbol was worn by the national team in their first official international match against Scotland in 1872, and its significance was further cemented in popular culture by the 1996 song "Three Lions" by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds.

13 Nov

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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"

The Enduring Legacy of England's Three Lions Emblem

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.

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