A SINGER-SONGWRITER from York has recorded his own World Cup anthem.

England Crazy is released on Thursday - as the World Cup kicks-off in Russia - and is the latest track from Alistair Griffin, complete with a video which was filmed in York this week.

A teaser for England Crazy - the full video will be available on June 14

Alistair, whose previous songs have provided soundtracks to coverage of the Formula 1, the FA Cup, and even Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle, said the song was originally written for the 2002 World Cup, and was in the running to be England’s official tournament anthem, until it was “gazumped” at the last minute.

Alistair said: “I was involved with a band in London and we wrote the song for the Korea/Japan World Cup. It was very close to being the official song, right down to the wire, and at the last minute Ant and Dec strolled in with On The Ball. I put it in a drawer and left it there until now.”

When it came to film a video for the song, Alistair called on the York community through social media, with supporters from Bishopthorpe, Clementhorpe, The Slip Inn and The Swan joining him for a march through the streets and a homage to the 1966 World Cup Final on Knavesmire.

Alistair said: “It was great to see so many people on the Knavesmire enjoying the video experience. We had a beautiful day for filming and the local community really played its part. Their fun and enthusiasm make the video.”

Alistair described England Crazy as “a singalong anthem with a big chorus”, but said “England haven’t really done very well recently and the fortunes of the song are aligned with the team”, so he hoped the squad managed a good World Cup run.

He said: “Nothing has comes close to Three Lions since Euro 96 but maybe this one will resonate with people if England perform on the pitch.

“I’ve never really cared about credibility in releasing an England song, but in the same sense as the team, I’ve nothing to lose.

“With a song that’s for football, you need something instant and recognisable. I think it’s quite easy to remember, a straightforward melody with a singalong chorus.”

Alistair said: “England songs are linked closely with the success of the team so we’ll have to see. Like all football fans I live in hope. Obviously, England will storm it to the final and the song will gain in popularity, but who knows. To be honest, it was very much ‘I have had that song sitting there for quite a long time, it’s time to let it out’. It was great to get the community out making the video, it was a good time and I think we did a good job.”

The song is released on Thursday on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.