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Harriet Brewis
Jul 07, 2021
It might not pack the same punch as ‘Three Lions’ or be as painfully catchy as ‘Vindaloo’ but England fans are still loving Atomic Kitten’s new football anthem.
The noughties’ sweethearts have now officially released their remix of 2001 single ‘Whole Again’, in time for tonight’s historic semi-finals clash with Denmark.
What’s that old love song got to do with the beautiful game, you ask? Why, they’ve substituted some of the lyrics to give it a “Euros 2020 twist”, of course.
Now, the song’s chorus features the inspired line: “Southgate you’re the one/ You still turn me on/ Football’s coming home again.”
Before you start accusing the former girl band of tenuously trying to capitalise on the national team’s success, it should be noted that this alternative version of the song had already become a crowd favourite at matches.
Fans replaced the original words themselves – chanting them as England progressed to the semi-finals in the 2018 World Cup – but Atomic Kitten had never before performed the remix in public until last weekend.
Reuniting, the band delighted punters at Box Park Croydon with a special rendition of the tune after England’s thumping 4-0 victory over Ukraine.
The first time ever performing their WHOLE AGAIN #SouthgateRemix #EURO2020 @carlinguk 🍺 💖 @AtomicKOfficial thank yo… https://t.co/1a1MVbvKTE— BOXPARK CROYDON (@BOXPARK CROYDON) 1625343827
The official release of the track, titled ‘Southgate You’re The One (Football’s Coming Home Again)’ has been met with a mixed response on social media:
World in Motion is a classic. 3 Lions an anthem. Vindaloo fun. But this Whole Again/Footballs Coming Home by Atomic… https://t.co/igHVBeKfUa— The Scouse Mouse (@The Scouse Mouse) 1625649279
Atomic Kitten, stop trying to make "Southgate You're The One (Footballs Coming Home Again)" happen. It's not going… https://t.co/QN6UGUNTBi— 🌈⭐The redacted Simon enquiry⭐🌈 (@🌈⭐The redacted Simon enquiry⭐🌈) 1625648901
Could Atomic Kitten not have waited one day before tempting fate to quite this level— Jack Deal (@Jack Deal) 1625648406
If this is the kind of thing that starts happening when football is on its way home, I'm not sure I want it home… https://t.co/afzBtRFOZ4— Editor Nelson (@Editor Nelson) 1625646614
But people are mostly loving the light-hearted nostalgia it brings:
Southgate getting Atomic Kitten back together! Is there anything this man can’t do?! https://t.co/OTXtbPYGET— Flo Lloyd-Hughes (@Flo Lloyd-Hughes) 1625351158
I didn't think I could be more hyped....then #AtomicKitten dropped this banger on Spotify.... What a lovely tribut… https://t.co/BsjYR7I9XS— Bridie Verity Davies (@Bridie Verity Davies) 1625648651
Days like today, are why I’ll always be country before club! Every media platform, every news channel, every street… https://t.co/0JnHuVYGz2— phil coles (@phil coles) 1625649193
The gays after tricking the football fans into singing Atomic Kitten bangers #SouthgateYoureTheOne @LizMcClarnon… https://t.co/JbU2gLM0H5— Sue Gray (@Sue Gray) 1625648689
If Atomic Kitten says it’s coming home well it bloody is https://t.co/HUaCOCmMuC— Lee Glynn (@Lee Glynn) 1625648631
On repeat. All day. Big up, Atomic Kitten! 🤣 #ENG #EURO2020 https://t.co/G1mFKA9Zjf— Sean McCormick (@Sean McCormick) 1625648510
If an England win is going to get Atomic Kitten's Whole Again on the charts again then FINE I suppose I'm ok with an England win— tired (@tired) 1625648414
🎵 "Southgate you're the one. You still turn me on. Football's coming home again." #COYQ #ThreeLions #ENGGER… https://t.co/KnoWlBQKsW— Harlequins 🃏 (@Harlequins 🃏) 1624981200
England have now reached the semi-finals in back-to-back major tournaments under Gareth Southgate: ✅ 2018 World Cu… https://t.co/Um5UH1hV9c— William Hill (@William Hill) 1625345901
The band said in a statement that their temporary reunion had been “totally inspired by England Football fans”.
“It’s been a whirlwind couple of days, but we are super excited and grateful to be able to contribute to the awesome energy and patriotism that is filling the England Streets with this version of ‘Whole Again’,” they gushed.
“Totally inspired by the England Football fans in support of Gareth Southgate and the super talented England Football team, we will be singing loud and proud, ‘Football’s Coming Home!’”