Why are there there three lions on England’s World Cup shirts, what is the crest’s origins and when did it become the Royal Arms?
The England football team has become synonymous with the Three Lions symbol, but where does it come from?
THE England football team has become synonymous with the Three Lions symbol, wearing it proudly at every tournament.
Here we look at its very long and interesting past...
Why are three lions on the England football shirt?
England wears the three lions because it's the logo of the FA but the story of the crest goes back to the 1100s (which we'll discuss soon).
The football team has worn the crest on their kits since their first international match against Scotland in 1872.
It has since become synonymous with the team, even spawning a famous football chant by comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner.
It was released in 1996 as a single by English band The Lightning Seeds to mark their participation in that year's European Championships.
What is the origin of the three lions symbol?
The history of the three lions symbol goes back to the 12th Century when a red crest with three gold lions would be carried into battle to inspire English troops.
The first one came from Henry I - known as the lion of England - who had a lion on his standard on taking power in 1100.
Shortly afterwards he married Adeliza, whose father also had a lion on his shield, and to commemorate the event he added a second lion to his standard.
In 1154, two lions became three when Henry II married Eleanor of Aquitaine, who also had a lion on her family crest.
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When did the three lions become the Royal Arms?
The three lions have appeared on the Royal Arms of every monarch since Richard I used them in the 1100s.
Although the acts of Union 1707 placed England within the Kingdom of Great Britain, the Royal Arms of England are still used occasionally in an official capacity.
The Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board are just two examples of that.
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