While the World Cup has plenty of official songs and anthems, from artists like Shakira and Andrea Bocelli, one song has stolen England’s heart.
As Brits, we love to belt along to a classic tune, and it seems for fans of England, there’s no better belter than Wonderwall by Oasis.
It’s hardly surprising, as the country is still recovering from the Oasis fever that hit when the Gallagher brothers announced they would be reuniting for a mammoth tour.
Football fans themselves, Liam and Noel are probably grinning ear to ear, knowing their biggest hit has become England’s anthem of choice.
Wonderwall was played over the stadium speakers after the team’s 4-2 win over Croatia, resulting in a chorus of fans serenading the players.
Even Jude Bellingham couldn’t resist singing along as he stood on the pitch after helping to secure victory in Arlington, Texas, with his second-half goal.
England won after a double from Harry Kane, plus goals from Bellingham and Marcus Rashford at the AT&T Stadium on Wednesday.
Each country in the World Cup submitted a playlist of songs they’d like to hear before and after games, with Wonderwall an obvious pick.
Other much-loved tracks are in the mix too, such as The Beatles’ Hey Jude – often sung in honour of Bellingham scoring – and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
While there are some undeniable bangers on the list, Wonderwall holds a special place in the fans’ hearts.
Kane, who is England’s captain, looked close to tears as he proudly stood with his team, listening to the crowd.
He was next to John Stones, who usually plays for Manchester City – the very team supported by the Gallagher brothers.
The 32-year-old player is close to Noel and even compiled a playlist with the legendary songwriter for NME in 2018.
Don’t Look Back In Anger and Wonderwall made the list, with Stones revealing the team ‘always walk in’ to the latter.
Gallagher replied: ‘Would you not prefer Rock And Roll Star? Wonderwall is a bit “end of the night, my bird’s left me” and all that kind of thing. It doesn’t strike me as something you play before the derby.’
Stones shared that people sing it who he ‘wouldn’t have expected to’, to which the She’s Electric icon quipped: ‘Well, I’m honoured’.
The popularity of Wonderwall seems to continue to surprise and amuse the brothers, especially as the now 30-year-old track never actually hit number one.
In 1995, the song peaked at number two in the UK and has managed to sneak back into the top 100 several times since then.
Before Oasis’ comeback, Rolling Stone estimated that Wonderwall was bringing in about $2,650 (£2k) in recorded-music royalties on Spotify every 24 hours – that’s about $1million per year.
The track has the benefit of being the only Oasis number to break North America, remaining the sole Top 10 hit for the band in the US charts.
Liam once compared the song to John Lennon’s Imagine, existing in a space where it is both universally loved and hated at the same time.
He’s admitted to having periods where he’s sick of the track, but now recognises that the ‘song is bigger than us’.
The simple guitar riff with Liam’s familiar vocals, combined with lyrics that feel momentous, make it the perfect tune for huge crowds to (not-so-flawlessly) harmonise to at the biggest of occasions.
After all, it’s our wonderwall.