An England World Cup song made in Birmingham is one of only two unofficial England singles to have won the backing of the Football Association.
We're England (The Second Star) is already proving an internet hit and storming the download charts as the country prepares for the big World Cup kick off.
It is written and made by the Dead Ball Specialists - a group of football mad musicians, including brothers Matt and Andrew Killeen, and Birmingham music scene veteran Neil Spragg.
As well as boasting an infectious chorus based on Holst’s Planet Suite, the song features a positive message on Englishness and is raising money for the Carers UK charity.
As well as being backed on the FA's Back the Bid World Cup 2018 Facebook campaign page, it has also won the approval of musician Billy Bragg and comedian Rik Mayall.
Matt Killeen, a former pupil of King Edward School for Boys said: “Historically, England was built by people from the outside – even the Angles and Saxons weren’t originally from here. We believe that pride in our country co-exists with recognising and appreciating our diverse multi-cultural society.
“Whether you were born here, arrived here or are even just visiting we all have a contribution to make to the country.
“We love England, we love football and we love the England team. Like everyone else this summer, we’ll be cheering the team down the pub, sharing a pint, singing We’re England at the top of our lungs and praying that this will be the year our team brings homes the elusive second star.”
The Dead Ball Specialists video was filmed at Alvechurch featuring the band’s Birmingham friends dressed as Romans, Anglo Saxons and Vikings.
All profits raised from download sales will go to Carers UK - supporting the country’s six million carers.
Charity spokeswoman Emily Holzhausen said: “It is a fantistic song with a powerful message of inclusion and respect.”
* We're England can be downloaded from Amazon here.
