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Gareth Southgate revealed that he could not listen to "Three Lions" for 20 years after his penalty shootout missed for England in the semifinals of the Euro & # 39; 96.
The song, recorded by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds, has echoed throughout the nation since it became apparent that Southgate and his team were going to have a stay prolonged in Russia.
The song was released for the first time over 8,000 days ago in May 1996, and is expected to be number one in the British singles standings this week.
Asked about this during his pre-game press conference before Wednesday's World Cup semifinal with Croatia, Southgate said: "Football's Coming Home is a song that I could not even listen to for 20 years.
"It's nice to hear people enjoying it again, anyway."
Midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was only six years old the day Southgate was missing He said: "It's a special feeling to know that people back here and in Russia are benefiting from the experience. as much as we are.
"All the celebrations and songs that they sing at home inspire us as players to bring the nation together and put smiles on people's faces
" It's the most important until now. Get out of there and we just want to keep doing this and make everyone proud. "
Southgate, who revealed that he had a full team to choose from, also expressed his support for Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling, His performances in Russia have sparked criticism in some quarters, insisting that he is a key member of the team, a claim backed by the boss of Croatia Zlatko Dalic
He said: "I'm not surprised that Croatia has identified Raheem as a key player.
"If you look at all of our attack patterns and how our top four have combined and played, he's played a big role in this game, so I think he's a player very appreciated by the team
"I saw a lot of ex-players and I had a lot of posts from ex-players who have the same point of view so we're really happy with his contribution, and his rate of work without the ball has been incredible for us. "
Southgate will go into the grateful game for the support of those who helped him realize his dreams in football.
He said:" Whenever you are involved in a tournament like this , you think of the people who helped you along the way, and to all the coaches with whom I worked, teacher, players with whom I played …
"J & # 39; have received a lot of great messages from people and big influences in my life, all of which have played a role in my meeting here today, so I am very grateful for the support and help that I have my 30 years in football, and of course my parents before that.
"You are always aware of this because none of us are where we are. are just because of ourselves. It's the support of those around you and the people who were there for you in times of trouble and when all was well. "
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