Kasper Schmeichel has made a jibe at England’s major tournament slogan “‘it’s coming home” after a reporter asked the Denmark goalkeeper about its meaning.
In a pre-match press conference, ahead of England’s semi-final clash with the Danes, the Leicester City goalkeeper was asked whether it was “coming home” by a cheeky reporter.
The 34-year-old keeper gave an equally jokey retort.
“Has it ever been home?” Schmeichel said back with a big grin slapped across his face.
“I don’t know…have you ever won it?” he continued.
The reporter then said: “It was home in ’66”.
Schmeichel responded: “Was that not the World Cup?
The slogan is a topic of hot debate at the moment as some believe the chant is a sign of arrogance from England fans, that the words of the song make an assumption that the side will win the competition despite not having achieved success at a major tournament in 54 years.
Three Lions fans, however, say that the song is merely tongue-in-cheek and its fundamental message is about hope and possibility.
The jury’s out on that one, but it’s fair to presume that Schmeichel is very much of the belief that the song – first released by Frank Skinner and David Baddiel and The Lightning Seeds in 1996 – is extremely irksome.
The Great Danes
The exchange between the Danish goalie and the journalist comes before England and Denmark face off in the Euro 2020 semi-final. The winner will then go on to play Italy at Wembley on Sunday.
England have never reached the final of the Euros, while Denmark won the competition in 1992. During which time, Jasper’s father, Peter Schmeichel, won a spot in the Team of the Tournament. Now his son has the chance to continue the Schmeichel-Euro legacy.
Featured image credit: Getty