Patriot Pact: Ministers urged not to say ‘It’s Coming Home’ ahead of England final
Ministers have reportedly been urged not to say ‘It’s Coming Home’ ahead of England’s Euro 2020 final on Sunday night amid fears of offending other countries.
In a briefing note sent by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) mandarins warned the phrase “does not go down well overseas” and might damage a potential UK and Ireland bid to host the 2030 World Cup.
“As stressed before, please do encourage your ministers not to use ‘It’s Coming Home’ with the news media and social media,” read the email, which was seen by Politics Home.
“I know we’re swimming against the tide, but we know this does not go down well overseas — and strategically we need to do all we can to make ourselves welcoming to the football authorities when the UK and Ireland is scoping out a bid for the 2030 World Cup.”
The phrase, taken from the Euro ‘96 anthem Three Lions by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds, has become a strapline for England’s footballing endeavours.
A string of ministers have adopted the mantra during this year’s Euro showdown, with Boris Johnson tweeting “Let’s bring it home” after England defeated Denmark on Wednesday night to reach the final.
The Whitehall order comes amid growing fervour in the lead up to Sunday’s game, which will be England’s first major final since 1966.
Pressure has grown on the Prime Minister to grant a one-off bank holiday on Monday if England succeed in lifting the trophy.
His spokesman today kept Brits guessing, telling reporters: “I don’t want to pre-empt the outcome of Sunday’s match. Clearly we want England to go all the way and win the final, and then we will set out our plans in due course.”
Calls have also been growing among business groups and unions for employers to go easy on Brits on Monday and offer more flexibility amid expectations of a nationwide hangover.
“Businesses across England will recognise the momentous nature for many of the prospect of football ‘coming home’ on Sunday night,” said Hannah Essex, co-executive director of the British Chambers of Commerce.
DCMS has been contacted for comment.