The “Baarmy Sheep” have released a version of the nostalgic English classic “Land of Hope and Glory” to unite the country behind the national team as the eagerly-awaited competition gets underway next week.

The single is available free from www.golakes.co.uk and there is an accompanying pop video showing the world’s first ever football game between sheep!

The sheep were recorded baaing in the fields of the Lake District in Cumbria where the inspiring countryside of lakes and mountains is home to thousands of the animals.

The video shows a lookalike of “Pierluigi Collina”, the world famous Italian referee, struggling to control a game between herds of sheep as a football is pursued over mountains and down streets.

The release of the single and video by the Barmy Sheep follows a lukewarm reception to the official England World Cup single by the pop group Embrace, and the Crazy Frog releasing the Spanish chant of Ole, Ole, Ole!

There has also been pessimism in the run-up to the World Cup following the injury to Wayne Rooney, and the debacle over the appointment of a successor to the head coach, Sven Goran Eriksson.

A spokesman for Cumbria Tourist Board, said: “Every England football fan has heard of the football song Three Lions…well this is three lambs!

“We hope this sheep single and video puts a smile on the face of football fans and the England team.”

“The Lake District is a place which inspires people and if you haven’t got tickets for the World Cup, this is a beautiful part of the world to come to and watch the beautiful game this summer. If you're a football widow it might just be the place to come and with relax with your friends.”

“We are sure the sheep anthem will give the fans something to sing about while the inspiring scenery and hilarious video will help relax the players and motivate them to achieve great things on the pitch.”

The Baarmy Sheep have already released two singles and videos  – Jerusalem and Jingle Bells. 

The single was created by Charley Darbeyshire of Bright Blue Studios while the video was filmed by Tony Wilkinson of Red Onion Video.

It was shot on location throughout Cumbria and the Lake District including Yew Tree Farm, Coniston; Derwentwater near Keswick, Brotherswater near Ullswater, the village of Dent, and Flimby on the west Cumbrian coast.

The sheep collect Kendal Mint Cake as they go which boosts their running and jumping ability.

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