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STILL GLEAMING

Who is Jules Rimet and why is he mentioned in Three Lions?

With the terrace anthem Three Lions dominating the airwaves, England fans are daring to dream like it's 1996

With the Three Lions by Baddiel and Skinner topping the charts, England clearly still believes.

But one of the lines often mis-quoted in the iconic 1996 terrace favourite is 'Jules Rimet still gleaming'.

 England fans are bracing themselves for the semi-finals
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England fans are bracing themselves for the semi-finalsCredit: Getty

Who is Jules Rimet?

The Frenchman was the third ever president of FIFA.

Born in 1873, he helped to found the organisation in 1904 and was instrumental in setting up international tournaments after World War One.

He had the top job at the French Football Association, before taking over as FIFA chief in 1921.

Rimet spent 33 years in the position, making him the longest-serving president in the organisation's history.

 The original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen
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The original Jules Rimet trophy was stolenCredit: Getty

Keen to create a football tournament for countries that was separate from the Olympics, Rimet threw all his efforts behind the World Cup idea and the inaugural tournament took place in 1930.

He finally passed the baton in 1954 and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize two years later.

Why is he mentioned in Three Lions?

Between 1930 and 1970, countries played for the original World Cup trophy.

It was initially known as 'Victory', but to recognise Rimet's achievements was renamed the Jules Rimet trophy in 1946.

When Baddiel and Skinner sing about 'Jules Rimet still gleaming', they are referencing the moment that Bobby Moore lifted the trophy in 1966.

The cup was kept by the Brazilians after they won it for a third time in 1970, but was stolen shortly after and never recovered.

You can listen to Croatia vs England live on talkSPORT, Wednesday from 7pm.

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