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England's 'Coming Home' Jinx: A 58-Year Wait
17 Jun
Summary
- The song 'Three Lions' became an unofficial anthem for England supporters.
- England hosted Euro 1996 but lost in the semifinals to Germany.
- The team has not won a major tournament since 1966, losing finals in 2020 and 2024.
The phrase 'coming home' has become a familiar, often jocular, refrain whenever England's national football team competes in a major tournament. This expression originates from a 1996 song tied to the nation hosting the European Championship that year.
England, widely recognized as the 'home of football,' has not secured a major international trophy since their 1966 World Cup triumph. The song 'Three Lions,' released for Euro 1996, captured this sentiment, expressing optimism for the tournament hosted on home soil. However, the team was defeated by Germany in the semifinals on penalty kicks.
This pattern of disappointment has continued. England has faced further heartbreak in recent major tournaments, reaching the final of Euro 2020 and again in Euro 2024, only to fall short of victory. As of June 2026, the team's quest for a major tournament title continues, with the 'coming home' cry resonating with a 58-year wait.
