The Story Behind England’s Euro 2020 Anthem: Sweet Caroline
When it comes to England’s favorite anthem, there’s no shortage of options. But one song stands head and shoulders above the rest: Neil Diamond’s iconic hit, Sweet Caroline. As the Three Lions take to the pitch, fans across the world are expected to belt out the lyrics in celebration of a potential tournament victory.
The Unlikely Origin of a Football Anthem
While Sweet Caroline may seem like an obvious choice, its connection to football is relatively recent. In fact, the song’s origins date back to 1969, long before its adoption by English football fans. It wasn’t until 2019 that the song became synonymous with the Beautiful Game.
A Serendipitous Discovery
As it turns out, Sweet Caroline’s popularity in the football world can be traced back to a chance encounter. When Tony Perry, a Wembley DJ, was tasked with selecting a new anthem for the stadium, he discovered the song’s potential through a group of American baseball fans. "I always thought God came into my room that evening because once I had the title, the song came easily and chords that I never even heard of were coming from my guitar," Neil Diamond recalled in 2021.
A Song for Unity
But what makes Sweet Caroline so special? According to Perry, it’s the song’s power to bring people together. "It’s also a song of unity and can bring together even the fiercest of competitors," he explained. "But of course, I want England to win because I love the way they sing it with such gusto."
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Since its adoption by English football fans, Sweet Caroline has become a staple of the sport. According to analytics firm, WhoScored.com, the song has been played a total of 15 times at Wembley Stadium, resulting in a 100% win rate for England.
A Call to Arms
As England takes on Spain in Berlin, fans are expected to come out in force, singing Sweet Caroline at the top of their lungs. And why not? The song’s catchy melody and uplifting lyrics are sure to get even the most skeptical of fans singing along.
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