Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to... well, Harry Kane, hopefully. England's soundtrack of this summer's World Cup, Oasis hit Wonderwall, can be many different things to many people. At this tournament, it's been the unifier. A moment shared between players and fans.
The sight of Kane and company belting the lyrics back to the England fans' stand in Mexico City after their epic last-16 win over the co-hosts was a sight to behold.
Thomas Tuchel's side had emerged triumphant. Hit play, DJ.
How has this iconic anthem from the 90s engulfed us all so nostalgically? Well, it might have something to do with the fact England have been trying to bring football home since 1966. Sixty years of hurt and all that. And it feels nice to be grounded in the abstract notion of a wonderwall.
It brings feeling, connection and emotion. As Liam Gallagher himself has eloquently put it: Keep the biblical vibrations going.
"That was one of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt," captain Kane said in a clip from the Lions' Den podcast last week, reflecting on the first singalong after a rousing group-stage win over Croatia. "Just that emotional connection with the fans, we know how much it means to them."
A repeat rendition followed after beating DR Congo and the sentiment appeared even stronger, Jude Bellingham baying the crowd to crank up the noise. A song about hopes, dreams and saviours. Kane, England's rescuer, bellowed out "YEEEEEES!" at the close.
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Of course, the added bonus to the adoption of this perfectly British anthem is the phasing out of Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, which merely represented a worn-out, tired version of an accompaniment. It had lost its impact somewhere in the Gareth Southgate era, thankfully never to be found again.
Moments that live forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/egsjFOehtm
In a recent interview with The Sun , writer of the track Noel Gallagher officially handed over custody. "Wonderwall belongs to the people, and it has become a magical moment between the fans and the players," he said. All those involved in England's cause will hope to hear it on repeat right up until July 19 - and for weeks thereafter.
World Cup fever has needed a little help ramping up, given this tournament is being played thousands of miles away at times inhospitable to the average UK-based fan. Wonderwall does seem to possess a unique means of galvanising, though.
Those who stumped up the money (myself included) to attend one of Oasis' comeback gigs last year will have witnessed its power first-hand. The sudden urge to hug a mate or a complete stranger. Both acceptable responses. The moment carries you almost involuntarily.
Now England's knockout campaign is rock and rolling (sorry!), excitement will no doubt kick into another gear. Plans for how to watch the quarter-final against Norway at 10pm on Saturday will already be in motion.
But if you need some extra stimulus, try listening to Oasis' anthemic sound. For most of the British population, it will conjure a memory. The hope is that this summer, for England, it helps inspire the moment.
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Sources: Sky Sports
