Three lions have been featured on the badge of the England football shirt since 1872. It is also the emblem of the Football Association (FA), founded in 1863. Lions also feature on the Royal Coat of Arms and have done so since King Richard the Lionheart used to ride into battle with lions on his banners in the 12th century.

When the FA was formed, they wanted their emblem to represent the country. They chose the lions due to their connection with the royal family and added ten red roses, which symbolise the War of the Roses between Lancashire and Yorkshire in the 15th century. Since 1966, the emblem has also featured a gold star to commemorate England's victory at the 1966 World Cup.

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