A shopping centre has taken drastic measures ahead of England’s Euro 2024 final clash against Spain this weekend.
Eden Shopping Centre in High Wycombe has made the decision to ban Three Lions within its premises and store radios.
The hit, originally by Skinner, Baddiel and the Lightning Seeds, has become synonymous with England fans ahead of major matches.
The Eden management team believes this bold step will help avoid any potential jinx and help the national team’s chances of bringing home the coveted trophy.
The shopping centre has banned the song
PA
Eden Shopping Centre marketing manager Rebecca Gomme told The Express: “Like the rest of the country, we’re crossing our fingers that this is the year England gets over that final hurdle and brings home the Euros.
“After the heartache of the last two tournaments, where we might have played It’s Coming Home a few too many times at Eden, we’ve decided to try a different approach.
“It’s not Saka at left back – but it’s what we can do!”
However, the decision has left some locals confused, calling the drastic decision “crazy”.
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Ian Broudie (centre) of the Lightning Seeds performs with David Baddiel (left) and Frank Skinner
PA
Linda Daisy from Air Raid Shelter Cafe and Tea Room said: “That song is iconic and generates real excitement and great atmosphere anywhere it’s played.
“Even if we lose it still would have lifted the mood of England before the game. Surely that can’t be a bad thing.”
It comes as England hero Ollie Watkins told reporters Spain deserves to be tagged as favourites for Sunday’s final in Berlin but England has many different options.
Spain, however, had a tougher path to the final, Watkins told a press conference.
England’s Ollie Watkins during the press conference
Reuters
Watkins said: “They’ve had to come through a harder journey than us playing against Italy, Germany and France — the so-called bigger teams — and I feel like they have been probably the best team of the competition so far.
“The wingers for Spain are very dynamic, young, full of confidence and direct but also across our team, we have goals from everywhere and world-class talent, so it’s going to be a very exciting match.
“I can’t wait to watch it and be a part of it. And hopefully, we can get the job done.”