Why England’s national football team called ‘The Three Lions’? Know here

Nicknames are an integral part of every sport, including football. And these nicknames are not related only to players but also to many teams. In the same series, the England national football team are popularly called ‘The Three Lions’. However, not everyone knows why England is called ‘The Three Lions’ and where this moniker come from.

‘The Three Lions’ comes from the England team's iconic crest that features three lions. The crest serves as the official emblem of the English Football Association, founded in 1863. It has been the team's official badge since their first match in 1872 played against Scotland. The crest features three lions, with one on top of the other. The gaps between the lions are filled with ten red roses. The roses were added to the crest after the association came into existence. In addition, the emblem also features one gold star denoting England's 1966 World Cup win.




The current badge is inspired by the union of the royal families' use of the lion symbol. Notably, it was King Richard who first used the three lions as his official symbol. Interestingly, during the 12th century, the symbol was described as three leopards. It is because, at that time, a creature that walked with his head turned was called a leopard, not a lion.

The link between the three lions and England has been referenced in several football songs by David Baddiel and Frank Skinner.

FAQs:

1. Which team is called The Three Lions?
   England's national football team is called The Three Lions.
2. When was English Football Association founded?
   English Football Association came into existence in 1863.