World Cup 2006 Blog

Skinner and Baddiel judge our 3 Lions karaoke

• Glen Levy, Match of the Day assistant producer
• 30 Jun 06, 01:08 PM

BERLIN - Picture the scene: you’re on a work night out as it’s a rare chance to catch up with colleagues outside of the hectic office environment. After all, this is the brief period of rest before one of the most hectic weeks in your four-year work cycle. The bar is of an Irish nature, everyone is relaxed and there’s even the prospect of karaoke with the ominous machine looming large in the corner.

Three of your colleagues – for argument’s sake, let’s call them Alex, Chris and Noel – make the brave decision to “sing” for the benefit of the rest of the room. Their weapon of choice? Popular England terrace anthem Three Lions. Easy. Everyone knows the words to that one. The music starts and the ‘It’s Coming Home’ refrain strikes up. The entire room sings along, briefly believing that 40 years of hurt might just be coming to an end.

And guess who walks in?

There's a wild scream of excitement as, right on cue (and seriously, this isn't made up), the co-writers of the song, Frank Skinner and David Baddiel, stroll into the bar, stand near the stage and observe their work being, er, interpreted for them.

They seemed to enjoy what they witnessed as there were hearty handshakes all round afterwards. It was one of those ‘only at the World Cup’ kind of moments and it’s about as post-modern as an anecdote surely gets.

And so it got me thinking: what would you suggest as an apt choice of music for any of our team to sing at a karaoke night? Any duets spring to mind or should they go it alone? Your suggestions, as ever, are most welcome.

On a slight tangent, make sure you look out for a behind the scenes World Cup Daily special next week from England’s quarter-final against Portugal.

You’ll be able to catch up with the team going to Gelsenkirchen and watch how the drama (hopefully) unfolds. And if there’s any singing on the way home, let’s hope it’s in keeping with Messrs. Skinner and Baddiel’s wishes.