Gareth Southgate has revealed that he could not listen to "Three Lions" for 20 years after his penalty shootout miss for England in the Euro '96 semi-final.

The song, recorded by David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds, has been echoing around the nation once again ever since it became apparent that Southgate and his team were going to have an extended stay in Russia.

The track was first released over 8000 days ago in May 1996, and is expected to go to number one in the UK singles chart this week.

Asked about it at his pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday night's World Cup semi-final clash with Croatia, Southgate said: "Football's Coming Home is a song I couldn't even listen to for 20 years, frankly, so for me it has a slightly different feel.

"It's nice to hear people enjoying it again, anyway."

Midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was only six years old the day Southgate missed from the spot against Germany, admitted the scenes of celebrations back home are inspiring him and his team-mates.

He said: "It's a special feeling to know that the people back home and out here in Russia are enjoying the experience just as much as we are.

"All the celebrations and the songs they are singing back home, it inspires us as players to be able to bring the nation together and put smiles on people's faces.

"That's the biggest thing so far to come out of it and we just want to continue to do that and do everybody proud."

Southgate, who revealed he has a full squad from which to choose, also voiced his support for Manchester City striker Raheem Sterling, whose performances in Russia have attracted criticism in certain quarters, insisting he is a key member of the team, a claim supported by Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic.

He said: "I'm not surprised that Croatia have identified Raheem as a key player.

"If you look at all of our attacking patterns and the way that our front four have combined and played, he's been instrumental in that, so I think he's a player that's really appreciated by the team.

"I've seen lots of ex-players and had lots of messages from ex-players as well who have the same view, so we're really pleased with his contribution, and his work-rate as well without the ball has been incredible for us."

Southgate will go into the game grateful for the support of those who have helped him achieve his dreams in football.

He said: "Whenever you are involved in a tournament like this, you do think about the people who have helped you along the way, and every coach I worked with, teacher, players that I've played with...

"I've had lots of lovely messages from people and some big influences in my life, all of whom have played a part in my sitting here today, so I'm very grateful for support and help I've had across my 30 years in football, and of course from my parents before that.

"You are always conscious of that because none of us are where we are just because of ourselves. It's the support of those around you and the people that were there for you in difficult times as well as when things were going well."

Additional reporting by the Press Association.