NO THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

FA snubbed Sven ABBA England song

- MARTIN FRICKER

FA CHIEFS banned Swedish pop legends ABBA from writing England's 2002 World Cup anthem because they were not English.

Sven-Goran Eriksson, the Swedish manager of the Three Lions, came up with the idea after they secured a place in that year's finals.

He wanted his compatriots to pen a rousing anthem for the tournament, held in Japan and South Korea.

Sven reportedly told his England assistant Tord Grip to ask friend Benny Andersson if he would write a song to inspire the players and fans.