England’s 2026 World Cup campaign got off to the perfect start with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas, and the celebrations in the immediate aftermath were given as much attention as the match itself.
As the Three Lions players made their way over to thank the travelling fans after the game, Oasis’ Wonderwall rang out around the stadium, with thousands of supporters belting out the 1995 classic together.
Several of Thomas Tuchel’s men were visibly moved by the moment, with a few even joining in. It quickly became a standout image of the tournament for England fans, and opened up plenty of conversation about how it was added to England’s array of songs and chants.
England have a long list of songs and chants, all of which will be sung at major tournaments. Check out our guide for the complete songbook.
Why England Fans Are Singing Wonderwall
Reuters/Nathan Ray Seebeck
The song wasn’t a spontaneous fan choice picked up on the night. Every country at the tournament was asked to submit a playlist of songs to be played in the stadium before and after their matches, and England’s selection, put together in consultation with fan groups, included Wonderwall alongside The Beatles’ Hey Jude and, of course, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline.
‘Chase the Sun’ by Planet Funk was heard four times in Dallas on Wednesday night as England beat Croatia 4-2.
While all three got an airing after the Croatia win, it was Oasis’ track that clearly resonated most. As the players gathered in front of the supporters at one end of the pitch, led by captain Harry Kane, the crowd’s rendition of the song took over the stadium, with Jude Bellingham and others mouthing along to the words.
Watch England’s rendition of Wonderwall:
Wonderwall Lyrics
Today is gonna be the day that they’re gonna throw it back to you
By now, you should’ve somehow realised what you gotta do
I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now
And backbeat, the word is on the street that the fire in your heart is out
I’m sure you’ve heard it all before, but you never really had a doubt
I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads we have to walk are winding
And all the lights that lead us there are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don’t know how
Because maybe
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
And after all
You’re my wonderwall
Today was gonna be the day, but they’ll never throw it back to you
By now, you should’ve somehow realised what you’re not to do
I don’t believe that anybody feels the way I do about you now
And all the roads that lead you there were winding
And all the lights that light the way are blinding
There are many things that I would like to say to you
But I don’t know how
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
I said, “Maybe (I said maybe)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me
I said, “Maybe (I said maybe)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me (saves me)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me (saves me)
You’re gonna be the one that saves me” (saves me)
Oasis and Players’ Reaction
Pawel Andrachiewicz / PressFocus via Reuters Connect
The moment did not go unnoticed by Oasis’ lead guitarist and primary songwriter, Noel Gallagher. Despite previously saying his footballing allegiances lie with Ireland rather than England, he gave his blessing for the song to be adopted by the Three Lions’ supporters.
Speaking to talkSPORT, Gallagher’s message was simple:
“For your information, that song belongs to the people.”
England’s players were just as taken by the occasion. Harry Kane described it as one of his favourite moments in an England shirt, whilst Declan Rice was similarly moved, telling the BBC that being a player for England at a major tournament “feels different.”
Jordan Pickford also spoke about how much the players feed off that kind of backing from the stands, with the goalkeeper expecting even bigger numbers as the tournament progresses.
“The next two games, I think we’ll see a lot more numbers [of fans] coming over. We all love it. We’re all passionate people, and we know the England fans are passionate as well. It drives us.”
Do Other Fans Sing Wonderwall?
It’s also worth noting the Manchester City connection running through the squad. Four of England’s 26-man squad are City players, and it’s a well-known fact that the Gallagher brothers are avid fans of the Citizens, with Wonderwall already holding anthem status at the Etihad. Defender John Stones is good friends with Noel, and at one point put together a playlist with him back in 2018.
Outside of Manchester City and England, it also has a place in MLS. Minnesota United regularly play the song after their matches and even have a 2,920-capacity safe standing area named “The Wonderwall.”
Even with their comeback in 2025 boosting streaming figures, the track reportedly surged by 50 per cent in the UK in the days following the Croatia match, according to Spotify.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced the doubters in emphatic style during Portugal’s World Cup clash with Uzbekistan. The 41-year-old scored a first-half brace after a week of discussion about whether he should be starting games.
His opening goal came with some clever movement and a brilliant finish from Joao Cancelo’s low cross. Ronaldo proved his intelligence inside the penalty area is still at the highest level.
He doubled his tally shortly before half-time after latching onto a perfectly-timed Bruno Fernandes pass to slot past the goalkeeper with ease. Despite proving his prowess in front of goal once again, many were more impressed with a goal he technically had no part in.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘High IQ’ Tactic to Throw Everyone Off
Troy Taormina (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Many were fooled into believing Ronaldo would take on a free-kick on the edge of the opposition’s penalty area after confidently putting away his first goal. After all, he’s one of the highest-scoring players from those situations in history.
Instead, he stepped aside and allowed Nuno Mendes to rifle the ball past the goalkeeper, who appeared caught off-guard by the fact the Al-Nassr forward didn’t take it. His mere presence wasn’t the only thing that fooled him into thinking that, either.
It would have been easy for viewers to miss it, but Ronaldo reportedly made his frustrations about the Uzbekistan wall inching forward very clear to the referee. By telling the wall to keep their distance, it looked even more certain he’d be the one taking the shot on.
But still, Mendes was given a gap to hit a powerful effort into the net and double Portugal’s lead. Ronaldo quickly pointed to his head, seemingly proving the ‘200+ IQ play’.
Arsenal have entered the race to sign a forward this summer, as FootMercato reports that the Gunners will need to beat their rivals to his signature.
It comes as the North London side are keen to bolster their attacking options after winning the Premier League, believing that the next evolution of the side includes more opportunities and more goals.
There are other options on the market, however, that Arsenal are seemingly pushing to sign.
Arsenal Want Crysencio Summerville
via Reuters
According to a report from FootMercato, Arsenal have entered the race to sign Crysencio Summerville, with interest seemingly building in the West Ham winger.
That is on top of reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain, which could make it tough to land the 24-year-old in the coming weeks of the market.
It means Arsenal could have some catching up to do in their move for the winger, with their rivals already seemingly pushing forward with a transfer.
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Arsenal Need To Move Fast
If Arsenal truly want to get a deal done for Summerville, then sporting director Andrea Berta will need to move fast to get ahead of the club’s rivals in pursuit of the winger.
Interest from the likes of Man United and Tottenham has been known for weeks, with talks already seemingly being held with representatives over what it could take to get a deal over the line.
While Arsenal will surely have some sway as the Premier League champions, the difficulty comes in those pre-existing relationships clubs build with agents.
The Gunners will be starting from a position slightly further back than the others, meaning they need to get a move on to at least draw level in the race.
Tottenham continue to push on in the transfer market, as The Athletic reports that another possible reunion could be on the cards for manager Roberto De Zerbi and a former player of his.
However, there is also focus being placed on the goalkeeping department, where further changes are expected at Tottenham.
Tottenham Want Jason Steele Transfer
As Tottenham prepare for a shuffle in the goalkeeping ranks, The Athletic reports that the club are interested in Brighton shot-stopper Jason Steele.
The 35-year-old has one-year remaining on his contract at the Amex Stadium, and has been playing as the second-choice option to Bart Verbruggen.
The report claims that Steele is a candidate on a shortlist of potential options to play as a back-up goalkeeper for the coming season, having been outlined as a “good option” for the club moving forward.
During his time at Brighton, De Zerbi made use of the experienced star plenty, handing him 43 appearances across two separate campaigns.
In that time, the glovesman kept 11 clean sheets for the Italian head coach across all competitions, and was widely praised for his ability with the ball at his feet.
That would also provide a mentor for Antonin Kinsky, who could have a chance to stake a claim as the number-one choice between the sticks next season.
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What De Zerbi Has Said About Steele
Steele has earned plenty of plaudits during his time at Brighton, which included some praise from his former manager, De Zerbi, back in late 2023.
“He’s very important on the pitch and off the pitch,” said De Zerbi on Steele’s influence.
“I think he deserved a new contract because he’s playing very well. Last season [he] was one of the secrets to reach the target and this season he is playing very well.
“We are playing well, Jason is playing well. I think he knows very well my idea. Verbruggen is not the same level but is very important for us now and the future. We are Brighton and we have to improve our young players. We have to be more focused in some situations.”
