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-clad stand in Atlanta was a sight to behold, not least because it meant England had won a game in which they had trailed for 68 arduous minutes.
Laboured and languid though the performance might have been, 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.
England players join fans for a rendition of 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. A song about hopes, dreams, and saviours. Kane, England’s rescuer, bellowed out “YEEEEEES!” at the close.
Goosebumps.
England players, led by captain Harry Kane, celebrate in front of fans after beating Croatia
Of course, the added bonus to the adoption of this perfectly British anthem is the kicking to touch 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.
No matter, Wonderwall is the antidote.
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!
Before then, a difficult trip to the Estadio Azteca awaits. Mexico away. A proper trip hazard, and Tuchel has problems to address. How do England take the immense strain off Kane and encourage others to contribute more creativity and goals? Who fills the problem position at right-back? Which wide duo are most effective?
England fans belt out Wonderwall after beating DR Congo in Atlanta
No easy answers. But at least the backing track is sound. 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 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 firsthand. 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!), and excitement will no doubt kick into proper gear. Plans for how to watch Mexico vs England in the early hours of Monday morning will already be in motion. Elaborate excuses for bosses at work and teachers at school at the ready…
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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