Gareth Southgate: 'I couldn't listen to Football's Coming Home for 20 years'

Gareth Southgate has admitted he struggled to listen to 'Football's Coming Home' for 20 years before England's run to the semi-finals in Russia.

Southgate insists he avoided listening to Baddiel & Skinner's 'Three Lions' song, the unofficial anthem for England's home European Championships back in 1996.

The England manager missed the decisive penalty in the shootout as England were beaten in the semi-finals by Germany and Southgate reveals he spent two decades avoiding the song following the heart-breaking defeat.

But England's success at this summer's World Cup has resulted in a major comeback in popularity for Three Lions, which is currently No 1 in the iTunes charts.

'Football’s Coming Home is a song I couldn't listen to for 20 years to be honest,' Southgate said when asked what it felt like to hear the anthem now. 'But it’s nice to hear people are enjoying it again.'

England supporters have been purchasing waistcoats in huge quantities back home in homage to Southgate's touchline dress code, with supplier M&S struggling to cope with the demand from fans.

And Southgate joked that it was strange for fans to be following his fashion choices but said his squad are appreciating the support from back in England.

'I think I’ve said this before I was not a renowned fashion icon in my playing career and it’s strange to see that now,' Southgate said when asked about the waistcoats.

'We have had the chance to make a difference to our supporters, who had a long time suffering. But our players have been brilliant ambassador for our country.

'Sport has the power to do that and we can feel energy and support from home and it’s a very special feeling and a real privilege.'

Southgate's England face Croatia at Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium on Wednesday evening for a place in Sunday's World Cup final.