Russell re-records Three Lions

Russell Brand has teamed up with Robbie Williams to release a new version of football anthem Three Lions.

They share the vocals on David Baddiel and Frank Skinner’s track, which also features the voice of commentator John Motson.

The new version, out on Monday, has been produced by Trevor Horn, who has replaced the terrace chants at the start of the 1996 original with an operatic opening. Baddiel and Skinner and The Lightning Seeds feature on the new version, too

This is the first time since 1966 that there has been no official song to mark England’s campaign, leading to several unofficial versions – including one by Rik Mayall called Noble England.

Three Lions was first released as the anthem for the Euro 96 tournament, and re-releaed for the 1998 World Cup.

Brand told The Sun: ‘I was embarrassed by how emotional I felt singing this song. I nearly cried. It took me back to Euro '96 - Spice Boys, dentist's chairs and Gazza's last hurrah.

‘It's the only good England song and I look forward to singing it as we crash out on penalties. Then I will be crying.’

Published: 14 May 2010