Declan Rice, Jesse Lingard and Stuart Pearce are to release the song ‘Three Irons’ to celebrate England’s appearance at this summer’s UEFA European Championship finals.
The West Ham United trio will mark the 25th anniversary of Euro 96, when Hammers first-team coach Pearce famously scored two penalties as England reached the semi-finals on home turf.
With the tournament returning to London this June, the England legend has teamed up with current internationals Rice and Lingard to record a new version of the famous Baddiel and Skinner and Lightning Seeds hit, which went to No1 in both 1996 and 1998.
The original version had a number of West Ham-related references, including the voice of Sir Trevor Brooking and the late, great 1966 World Cup winning captain Bobby Moore’s 1970 tackle on Brazil star Jairzinho.
“With it being the 25th anniversary of Euro 96, when I was part of the England squad that got to the semi-finals, I said to the boys that it would be fun to record a new version,” said rock music fan Pearce, who earned 78 caps for his country.
“I know Jesse is a big fan of putting bands together from his celebration after scoring against Spurs recently. He was really keen to get involved when I suggested it to him and he'll be doing the singing and playing lead guitar.
“Dec got a bit of stick for how he played the drums so he'll be playing the bass guitar and I’ll play the drums on Three Irons.
“Hopefully we can inspire the lads to glory, England can emulate the achievements of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters and end 55 years of hurt!”
Rice is looking forward to swapping the football pitch for the recording studio.
“I love my music and when Pearcey suggested this, Jesse and I both said it was a no-brainer!” smiled the midfielder.
“The tune is one we all know and love and we’ve put our own special spin on it ahead of the Euros.
“Every West Ham fan knows you need Three Irons to win a major tournament, too!”
Pearce, Rice and Lingard will get into the studio in April to record ‘Three Irons’, with the song being available for download ahead of England’s opening fixture at Wembley against Croatia on 13 June.