<P> English heraldry flourished as a working art up to around the 17th century , when it assumed a mainly ceremonial role . The Royal Arms of England continued to embody information relating to English history . Although the Acts of Union 1707 placed England within the Kingdom of Great Britain , prompting new , British Royal Arms , the Royal Arms of England are still used occasionally in an official capacity , and has continued to endure as one of the national symbols of England , and has a variety of active uses . For instance , the coats of arms of both The Football Association and the England and Wales Cricket Board have a design featuring three lions passant , based on the historic Royal Arms of England . In 1997 ( and again in 2002 ) , the Royal Mint issued a British one pound ( £ 1 ) coin featuring three lions passant to represent England . To celebrate St George 's Day , in 2001 , Royal Mail issued first -- and second - class postage stamps with the Royal Crest of England ( a crowned lion ) , and the Royal Arms of England ( three lions passant ) respectively . </P>
why are there three lions on the english football shirt
based on the historic Royal Arms of England