Why Do England Fans Sing ‘Wonderwall’? How Oasis’ Classic Became the Three Lions’ World Cup Anthem
Every time England wins at this World Cup, the same thing happens. The whistle goes, the speakers kick in, and thousands of fans drown them out singing “Wonderwall.” Players just stand there in the middle of it, looking half-stunned every time.
The song’s from 1995. Its comeback owes something to Oasis touring again this year but mostly it comes down to one night in Dallas.
Where It Started
FIFA had every nation submit a playlist before the tournament songs to play before and after matches. England sent three: “Wonderwall,” “Sweet Caroline,” “Hey Jude.”
Also Read:England And Argentina Reach FIFA World Cup Semi-finals; Last-Four Line-up Confirmed
“Sweet Caroline” had been the go-to for England celebrations for years. That changed after game one.
Dallas, June 17
England beat Croatia 4-2. Final whistle, “Wonderwall” comes on, and the crowd just takes it from there singing over the sound system, players included. Jude Bellingham was right in the thick of it. Spotify UK streams of the song jumped 50% after that match.
Kane: “One of My Favourite Ever Moments”
Harry Kane, on the Lions’ Den podcast, didn’t hold back: “That was one of my favourite ever moments in an England shirt and especially at a major tournament.”
“I know it’s just the first game and we’re not getting carried away, but just that emotional connection with the fans. We know how much it means to them. We have that connection right now but just that moment, singing Wonderwall in the stadium. Everyone knew the words and that was a really special moment.”
What the Players Are Saying
Jordan Pickford says the crowd drives the team, not the other way round:
Take it away lads 🎶 pic.twitter.com/utc8UVOaD9
— England (@England) July 12, 2026
#England Wonderwall ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/xoHsk8RcwZ
— Tony Menendez (@TonyMenendez21) July 11, 2026
PORRA DE REMADA, QUE COISA LINDA A TORCIDA DA INGLATERRA CANTANDO WONDERWALL DO OASIS 🤩 pic.twitter.com/zX1VArJZcu
— POPTime (@poptime) July 11, 2026
“We all thrive off it. And when they’re coming out in full force like they are, I think it’s only going to get better as well.” “The next two games, I think we’ll see a lot more numbers coming over. We all love it.” “We’re all passionate people, and we know the England fans are passionate as well. It drives us.”
Declan Rice told the BBC there was nothing like the first time it happened:
“Being in Dallas, singing Wonderwall. There’s nothing like that first time.” “Just soaking all that up and seeing the England fans. Being a player at a major tournament for England just feels different. I can’t explain it.” “It’s the biggest honour in football for me.”
Gallagher’s Verdict
Noel Gallagher supports Ireland, not England he’s said so before, down to his parents. Didn’t stop him from being generous about the song. On talkSPORT, host Jason Cundy read out a message Gallagher sent him live on air: “For your information, that song belongs to the people,” Gallagher said. He called the scenes with Kane and the fans “a brilliant moment.” Then: “I don’t see it as my song.” And, because it’s Gallagher, one last line: “Anything but Sweet Caroline.”