World Cup Willie song covered by Lonnie Donegan's son

World Cup Willie was original released by Lonnie Donegan Jnr's father in 1996

The son of skiffle king Lonnie Donegan has covered a version of his father's 1966 World Cup song - World Cup Willie.

Tony Donegan, who grew up in Margate, said he had brought the anthem "out of retirement" to roar on the England team in South Africa.

The song is named after the 1966 cartoon lion mascot, World Cup Willie, who wore a Union Flag football jersey.

The new version by Mr Donegan, who works under the name Lonnie Donegan Jnr, was released on Monday.

The song is one of the numerous unofficial World Cup releases in the absence of an official England song for the first time since 1966.

'Greatest footballing moment'

A spokeswoman for Mr Donegan said: "This is a new football anthem that England fans can identify with.

"This song is irrevocably associated with England's greatest footballing moment.

"Let's get behind the England team, and Willie, to make this happen again."

Other England World Cup songs include Dizzee Rascal and actor James Corden's rap reworking of Tears For Fears' hit Shout and a remake of 3 Lions featuring Robbie Williams and Russell Brand.

The official song for the World Cup in South Africa is Time For Africa, performed by Shakira and Freshlyground.

Lonnie Donegan, who was best known for novelty songs like My Old Man's a Dustman, died aged 71 in 2002.

He was one of the most successful recording artists of the pre-Beatles era, with three UK number one hits and numerous top 10 entries in the 1950s and 60s.

England beat West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 World Cup.