Hip hop duo Krept and Konan Photo: VCG

The UEFA European Championships might not be the Eurovision Song Contest but music has played a key part. Official songs have long been a part of the approach to both the Euros and the FIFA World Cup - and this year is no exception.

England's audio output has tended toward similar levels of success as their on-field output over the years but they are hoping for it to be a different story this summer.

Much as Gareth Southgate has opted for a youthful squad that reflects the multiculturalism of modern Britain, those hoping for a hit have taken a similar path. London rap duo Krept and Konan have been brought in to create "We Are England" and the story behind the song is the subject of an accompanying BBC documentary of the same name.

"We're supporting England and seeing players on the pitch from the same areas and walks of life as us," Krept told the BBC.

One scene shows them speaking to Southgate, who reassures them that they are the right men for the job of capturing the zeitgeist.

"You shouldn't worry about what's been important in the past. To be English now is different, I think," the former England international tells the artists. "What will appeal to the audience you're seeking is different to what it was back then, so do what you believe represents the team now."

The show sees them speaking to footballers at the top of their game such as current international defender Tyrone Mings, who has been first choice for Southgate at the Euros. It also does not shy away from the ugly side of football, with Mings recounting the racism he faced on his Three Lions debut. Midfielder Declan Rice and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin also feature, as does former England women star Eni Aluko.

So far there has been no official release date for Krept and Konan's track, despite the story behind it airing before England's first game against Croatia earlier this month. The rappers seemed confident, though.

"No matter who you are or where you're from, we're supporting England and the song should unite that as well," Konan said.

Whatever the final product sounds like it is sure to be very different than what has come before it in more than half a century of official England songs - and the first since 2014 - and the oped is that the team will match it at Wembley on July 11, winning a first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.

Back Home - England World Cup Squad, 1970

The reigning world champions' sang that "We put our hearts in our playing / We'll fight until the whistle goes / For the folks back home." They joined those folks at the quarter finals stage in Mexico when they were knocked out.

This Time (We'll Get It Right) by the 1982 England World Cup Squad

The message was clear after failing to make it to either the 1974 or 1978 World Cups. "We're gonna find a way, find a way to get away," the Spain '82 England squad sang. "This time, getting it all together." They did not, going out in the second round.

We've Got The Whole World at Our Feet - England World Cup Squad, 1986

Another World Cup and another song by the squad themselves. They failed to chart with their release and went out to a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina in the quarterfinals, with the Argentine superstar showing that he had the whole world in his hands with his famous Hand of God goal and then the world at his feet with his stunning solo second.

All the Way - England squad, Euro 1988 

England did not go all the way. They lost all three games at the tournament.

World in Motion - Englandneworder - World Cup '90

Arguably the greatest football song ever made, England joined up with New Order for a tune that has stood the test of time, with winger John Barnes still asked by fans to do his rap. England lost in the semifinals to West Germany and finished fourth.

Three Lions (Football's Coming Home) - Baddiel & Skinner and The Lightning Seeds - Euro 1996

Another classic, though one that has been co-opted by other teams - not least the Germany side who beat England in the semifinals once more. The song also reached No.1 again in 2018 when it was re-released to coincide with the World Cup.

(How Does it Feel to Be) On Top of the World - England - 1998 World Cup

No squad but a squad of pop stars - the Spice Girls, Ocean Colour Scene, Echo and the Bunnymen and Space. England lost to Argentina in the second round on penalties. The song was reportedly booed by England fans at Wembley.

We're On The Ball - Ant and Dec - World Cup 2002

Recorded by pop stars turned TV presenters Ant and Dec, the England team failed to live up to the song's success in the charts.

All Together Now (Euro 2004 version) - The Farm - Euro 2004

A re-release of a hit, it was the same old story for England who started bright but went out in the quarters to Portugal, losing on pens.

World at Your Feet - Embrace - 2006 World Cup

The indie band could not shake England's run of poor form - they went out again to Portugal in the quarters.

"Shout (Shout for England song)" - Dizzee Rascal and James Corden - World Cup 2010

A new approach, with comedian Corden joining grime star Dizzee Rascal but the same old England - they went out to Germany in the round of 16.

'Sport Relief's Greatest Day' - Take That - 2014 World Cup

Take That called on some pals from the sporting world, how England could have done with similar help in Brazil as they went out in the first round.