'Three Lions' song had three-word lyric removed after FA backlash and 'fiery back-and-forth'

The song 'Three Lions' had a three-word lyric removed after the FA expressed their concerns over the potential connotations.

Gareth Southgate's England face Slovakia at Euro 2024 for a spot in the quarter-finals.

Team news has been leaked ahead of the last-16 clash.

The 'Three Lions' song will be played repeatedly ahead of Harry Kane leading the team out in Gelsenkirchen.

And the famous track - which is also referred to as 'It's Coming Home' - was almost BANNED ahead of Euro 1996.

That's because the FA were opposed to the 'Butcher at war' lyric - a reference to England defender Terry Butcher.

Concerns were raised over the lyrics that it would encourage hooliganism, striking it from the song.

After a 'fiery back-and-forth' with the representatives of the band, the lyrics were ultimately changed to 'that tackle by Moore'.

Speaking on Heart Breakfast, Frank Skinner addressed the criticism after being asked about a possible ban of the song.

He said: "I think there’s a worry that it might be seen as a bit, I suppose, un-woke because it doesn’t talk about the world, it talks about England as if it’s special."

Amanda Holden weighed in: "Well we are... we were.”

Skinner replied: "Apparently calling England the home of football upsets the other federations."

The FA came out with a statement amid reports the song would be axed in 2022.

They said: "The FA still plays Three Lions at major Wembley matches and has never had any intention of doing otherwise.

"The song belongs to the fans and is about the hope of following the England team.

"It was requested by the FA to be played as one of our team songs at the 2018 World Cup and at the EUROs last summer, and this is our plan at tournaments going forwards."