Football and chanting go hand in hand – but why are England’s anthems so much catchier than the rest of the world’s?
With the World Cup now underway, scientists have analysed football chants sung around the globe to uncover what makes England’s stand out.
According to Nicolai Jørgensgaard Graakjær, a professor at Aalborg University in Denmark, England’s chants tend to feature well–known melodies from popular music.
These tunes are given new lyrics and are sung in short, intense bursts, making it easy for the crowd to catch on.
‘The differences in stadium sound tell us something about how community, participation and emotion are expressed in different soccer cultures,’ said Professor Jørgensgaard Graakjær.
The news will come as no surprise to England fans, who often take to social media to mock the songs from other countries.
‘The US uses one or two chants that sound like they were organised for middle school sports day,’ one user joked on TikTok.
‘England chants are just a bunch of grown adults eagerly screaming about the most random inappropriate s*** and having a blast with it.’
Football and chanting go hand in hand – but why are England’s anthems so much catchier than the rest of the world’s? Pictured: fans at the international friendly match against Costa Rica on 10 June
With the World Cup now underway, scientists have analysed football chants sung around the globe to uncover what makes England’s stand out
Singing at club matches is often about showing the opponent that the club and its fan base are strong, according to the researchers.
However, singing at international matches serves a ‘different purpose’.
‘The national identity is one large, overarching category of identity, whereas club identity is more local and typically tied to frequent, regularly recurring matches against specific opponents – including local rivals – who are “sung against”,’ Professor Jørgensgaard Graakjær said.
For the study, the researchers set out to map the types of music and songs played and sung in countries including England, Germany, Spain, and Denmark.
Their analysis of England’s football chants shows that they’re largely characterised by spontaneous communal singing.
Songs often heard during England matches include adapted versions of ‘Oh, When the Saints Go Marching In’, and ‘Guantanamera’, with new lyrics.
More recently, a version of Gala’s ‘Freed From Desire’ became the go–to song used after a goal.
‘The sound is organic and changeable – and may shift several times during a single match,’ Professor Jørgensgaard Graakjær said.
For the study, the researchers set out to map the types of music and songs played and sung in countries including England, Germany, Spain, and Denmark
In contrast, Germany’s anthems are much more organised and sustained, according to the experts.
Drums tend to play a major role, and fans often sing the same songs for longer periods, led by chant leaders.
‘The result is a more constant and powerful wall of sound,’ the experts said.
For example, in German stadiums, fans can hear club anthems such as Bayern Munich’s ‘Stern des Südens,’ while goals are often marked by fixed musical signals, such as, Offenbach’s ‘Can–can.’
The researchers added: ‘Here, music functions as a unifying and rhythmic foundation throughout the match.’
Regardless of style, Professor Jørgensgaard Graakjær says chants are crucial for matches – particularly in the World Cup.
He concluded: ‘Music is not just background noise in the stadium.
‘It is an active part of the match and helps turn each stadium into a unique sonic community.’
Experts from the University of Innsbruck have calculated the chances of winning for all 48 participating teams
The news comes shortly after scientists revealed which teams are most likely to take home the trophy at the World Cup.
Experts from the University of Innsbruck have calculated the chances of winning for all 48 participating teams.
And their findings will come as good news for Spain fans.
According to the researchers’ calculations, Spain is the favourite, with a 14.5 per cent chance of winning the tournament.
However, England fans will be relieved to hear that England is close behind (12.4 per cent), just ahead of France (12.4 per cent) and Germany (11.2 per cent).
‘Compared to previous tournaments, this year’s title race is very tight,’ said co–lead author, Achim Zeileis.
In contrast, Jordan is the least likely to win the World Cup, according to the researchers – while Scotland has just a 0.2 per cent chance of winning.
