World Cup Songs: Andy Serkis Helps Create Latest Football Anthem, To Add To Archive From ‘Vindaloo' To ‘Three Lions' (VIDEO)

Has Gollum Helped Create Most Stirring Football Anthem Of All?
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Andy Serkis - aka Gollum in the Lord of the Rings - is the latest star to lend his talents to those guiding the England football team to victory with their own musical efforts.

Andy has put his distinctive tones on a track, that is the lovechild of Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds and Elgar's uniquely patriotic 'Land of Hope and Glory'. And it's been made with the stunning sounds of a 48-piece orchestra, recorded at Abbey Road Studios.

If this doesn't secure the Jules Rimet trophy, then nothing will. LISTEN ABOVE AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK.

Meanwhile, Rik Mayall's own World Cup song 'Noble England' has entered the top ten this week, with fans determined to pay fitting tribute to the comedic star who died last week.

While England may have failed to succeed on the pitch during most World Cup competitions - apart from in 1966, obviously - we’ve definitely made an impact in the recording studio.

After the triumph of ‘66, FIFA decided that, for every UEFA European Championship and World Cup, the team should have an official song - cue the biannual creation of tracks combining patriotic lyrics, chanting with some novelty celebrity cameos thrown in for good measure.

Alongside official tracks such as ‘Three Lions’ from Baddiel and Skinner and Ant & Dec’s 2002 offering ‘We’re On The Ball’, there have also been a number of unofficial efforts - think Terry Venables’ truly inspiring cover of ‘If I Can Dream’.

It’s safe to say that not all of the tracks intended to spur on the team have been good, and even less have fulfilled their mission on the pitch, but more than a few have been memorable.

In preparation for the 2014 World Cup, check out the England football songs which have (somehow) stood the test of time...