Why are England playing a darts song at the World Cup?
The Proclaimers, AC/DC, Daft Punk and Lynard Skynard all have something in common this summer - and it’s because of the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
All four are among the artists whose songs have been selected by national teams to be played after every goal scored as their dedicated goal song.
AdvertisementAdvertisementEngland supporters, particularly those with a soft spot for darts, had the privilege of listening to Planet Funk's ‘Chase the Sun’ four times on Wednesday night during England's 4-2 win over Croatia in their opening match.
That was because the song, played regularly during major darts events such as the World Darts Championships and Premier League Darts, was chosen by the Football Association as England's dedicated goal song to be played following every goal they score during the tournament.
It was quickly adopted by England fans both in Dallas and back home. Sections of the crowd could be heard singing along during parts of the game, even when it was not being played.
Scotland opted for I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles) by The Proclaimers. Other choices have included AC/DC's ‘Thunderstruck’ by Australia, Daft Punk's ‘One More Time’ by France, while co-hosts the United States opted for a remixed version of ‘Free Bird’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFans of Germany and Curacao had the dubious honour of hearing ‘Major Tom‘ by Peter Schilling - song inspired by David Bowie - seven times during Germany’s thrashing of the debutants.
Goal songs are becoming increasingly popular across the world of football. Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Crystal Palace are example of clubs who currently use them.
During the first full round of group stage fixtures, 40 of the 48 nations scored at least one goal, meaning all sides have had their dedicated goal song played at least once.
Who picks the songs are what are the rules?
The process of song selection is very simple.
AdvertisementAdvertisementFootball associations from each of the 48 nations were asked to select two songs each.
One of those is the song to be played every time they score a goal, the other is played at the conclusion of a match in the event that the team wins.
England fans got to sing along to ‘Three Lions’ by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and The Lightning Seeds in Dallas after beating Croatia.
Australia used ‘Land Down Under’ by Men At Work as their dedicated victory song following their 2-0 win over Turkey.
What have been some of the surprise picks?
A lot of song choices have immediately made sense, given their popularity in their home nations.
AdvertisementAdvertisementBut there have been some other selections that have been a bit more on the unusual side.
‘Maria (I Like It Loud)’ by dance artist Scooter was chosen as Austria’s goal song.
The Czech Republic selected a version of popular football fan anthem Seven Nation Army’ originally made famous by The White Stripes. Their modernised and more upbeat selection was released by Mickie Krause.
Less unusual, but perhaps still a surprise that they picked it, is Gala's ‘Freed From Desire‘ as the selection from Switzerland.
This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team.
More questions answered...
Badenoch blasts 'moaning' female Labour MPs over Burnham jobs 'quota'
Kemi Badenoch has told Labour women to earn a job in Andy Burnham's Cabinet instead of demanding they are handed jobs because of their gender.
The Tory leader lashed out today amid reports that female MPs are demanding the de-facto new prime minister introduce a 50:50 gender split 'quota' in his government.
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister also complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts.
But in a scathing article in the Times today Mrs Badenoch told them to 'stop moaning' and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'.
'There are many, many reasons why you shouldn't have any Milibands in the cabinet,' she said.
'But complaining that the boys haven't given them the right jobs or that the boys are taking all the jobs, just shows that Labour's women still don't get it.'
The idea of quotas was also attacked by Baroness Jacqui Smith, Labour's Skills Minister.
Asked by Times Radio if Mr Burnham should reserve jobs for women, she said: 'No, I think what Andy Burnham should be doing is building the very best team around him to change this country.'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs
Amid reports that former foreign secretary David Miliband (above, right, in 2010) is being lined up to return to the role, possibly with his brother Ed as Chancellor, one female minister complained that Burnham could not have 'more Milibands than women' in the top posts
But Mrs Badenoch told them to pipe down and get chosen on merit instead of retreating into 'more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country'
A letter written by the Women's Parliamentary Labour Party and seen by the BBC has called on Mr Burnham to ensure a 50:50 split between men and women in government jobs after he succeeds Sir Keir Starmer.
'We are asking you to demonstrate this change from day one and address the toxicity and misogyny within our own party and government,' it said.
Labour has never had a female leader, while the Conservatives have had three, and Mrs Badenoch urged the government to follow its meritocratic example.
'If you run a meritocracy, then you do not have to worry about jobs for the boys,' she wrote.
'Every woman who is a Conservative MP, every woman who has ever won the leadership, has had to fight to get where she is.
'By contrast, Labour women are demanding guarantees from Burnham. But the truth is he doesn't have to give any guarantees.
'If none of Labour's women are prepared to get their hands dirty and challenge him for the leadership, their demands are toothless.'
'In fact, it's quite revealing that the women's parliamentary Labour Party has written to Burnham asking him to commit himself to at least 50 per cent female ministers.
'This has nothing to do with meritocracy. It is yet more of the failed identity politics that is holding back our country.'
