With the football World Cup fast approaching, there is no word on the official anthem, but plenty of contenders are already making their claim.

“Bring it Home” by Disco Mister is actually a re-issue of a single that in 2014 was the only brand new England song to get into the singles charts during the last World Cup. Disco Mister are Robin Parminter and Ian Wilson, and the proceeds of the records went to the Bobby Moore Foundation for Cancer Research UK.

Soon to be released is “They Think It’s All Over” by the Lockerz, a charity single backed by a host of celebrities including Nigel Mansell, Andy Cole and Terry Stone. Any money raised will be going to a project to build a new school in Nepal.

There is, of course, the inevitable comedy single, this year provided by Chunky M with “Stick It in the Goal for England”, hoping to match the triumph of Fat Les and his Manchester inspired spoof “Vindaloo” in 1998.

Throughout the years, there have been some surprisingly successful football songs, listenable in their own right, despite having a sporting theme. Most memorable is New Order’s “World in Motion”, released in May 1990 and reaching number one on the UK singles chart. The song features a guest rap by England footballer John Barnes, with additional vocals by players from the World Cup team.

In 1996, the unlikely collaboration of Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds brought “Three Lions” to the fans, to mark England’s participation in the European Championships. It is one of only three singles to top the charts twice, each time with different lyrics.

The official World Cup song for the entire tournament is “Colors” by Jason DeRulo, sponsored by Coca-Cola.