Sport

Singer and comic to lead new World Cup anthem

Robbie Williams and Russell Brand are to star in a remake of the classic football song '3 Lions'.

The popstar will share the singing with comedian Brand on the track, which has been revived by original creators David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds.

'3 Lions' was originally made for Euro '96 and is to receive an update with the help of a choir and a soprano.

Williams admitted he had been reluctant to release a football track in the past. He said: "I've always been approached to write football songs but have always declined as I thought '3 Lions' could never be beaten, so I am really happy to be part of this record.

"I am counting down the days until the start of the World Cup."

The re-recorded song, under the name The Squad, is to be given an operatic intro and sees commentator John Motson also joining the team.

After the success of Euro '96, where is stormed to the top of the charts, '3 Lions' was revived two years later for the 1998 World Cup in France and outshone the official England track featuring the Spice Girls.

The FA confirmed earlier in the year that there would be no official release for the World Cup in Africa, the first time since 1966.

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Producer Trevor Horn is the mastermind behind the new version and recorded a full orchestra plus singers and soprano Olivia Safe at Abbey Road Studios.

Safe, who is also produced by Horn, has previously played live with Williams. However, she was initially a little dubious about the mix of genres in the new version, but is delighted with the result.

She said: said: "I was intrigued as to how they would combine the classical voice with this most popular of football songs, but the arrangement, huge orchestra and choirs sound incredible together."

The new version of '3 Lions' will be released on Monday May 17 ahead of next month's World Cup Finals in South Africa.