England’s National Team have had a fair share of clothing styles over the years. Let’s look at their appearance from 1998-2018.
The England players were spotted in mid-March this year attending a suit-fitting at St George’s Park. As the team got suited and booted in the three-pieces supplied by Marks and Spencer for its third World Cup in a row, we got a sneak peek at who we would be seeing on the pitch in Russia.
But players haven’t always been sporting a slim-fit number and, to boot, we’ve seen styles come and go. So Mediaworks, together with Frank Wright, a British footwear brand that offers a range of chukka boots, let’s look at fashion trends of the England team during World Cup, 1998-2018.
1998
Held in France, the 1998 World Cup saw defending champions Brazil beaten by the host country 3-0 at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. That aside, did England show up looking smart?
Apparently not. The official World Cup suits of England were heavily criticised this year. Created by British designer, Paul Smith (now Sir Paul), the suits were bespoke beige single-breasted outfits paired with navy shirts. Made from viscose linen with a baggy fit, the suit didn’t make Glen Hoddle’s squad look their best. Could it have been their not-so-stylish suits that determined their success that year?
2002
The 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup was held from May until June in 2002 in the Korea Republic and Japan. England reached the quarterfinals where they were defeated by Brazil.
Off the field, Burton was the players’ official suit provider. The last time Burton designed the England World Cup team suit was the year Bobby Moore captained England to a 4-2 victory over West Germany.
This time, Burton designed a suit that was cut with a slim trouser leg and low-cut lapels to reveal more of the navy tie. The breast of the suit jacket was emblazoned with the traditional three-lion badge, and the suit was made from 100% lightweight navy wool. The official suit also went on sale in Burton’s 376 UK stores on St George’s day, making it accessible and affordable for fans.
2006
Held in Germany, the 2006 World Cup had Italy winning its fourth title and France coming second after a penalty shoot-out. England reached the quarterfinals again but was knocked out by Portugal.
2006 team (photo, chinadaily.com)
That year Giorgio Armani stepped up to design the uniform for the England squad, having previously designed official suits for the Italy team in 1998.
He created an ultra-fashionable range, which consisted of two suits, an overcoat, an avant-garde asymmetric raincoat, cardigan-jacket, underwear, sunglasses, watches, and luggage. The collection was designed on a color palette of navy, light blue, and pearl grey–and, of course, the famous badge.
England captain and fashion follower, David Beckham, also gave some input into the designs.
2010
South Africa was the host of the 2010 World Cup tournament with Spain coming out as the winner, beating The Netherlands.
Marks and Spencer supplied the 2010 World Cup suits, an encore to their being the official suit suppliers for the English National Football Team and under 21s in 2007. Fabio Capello helped by giving input to designer Timothy Everest.
Through the Alfred Brown weaver label, the team was fitted with a grey, two-button, single-breasted suit made from pure new wool. Finished off with a black tie, slimming waistcoat, and four-button cuffs, the suit gave the guys a stylish silhouette.
2014
2014 team (photo, clairecaruana.wordpress.com)
Hosted by Brazil, England was knocked out in the Group Stage–the first time that had happened since 1958. Later, Germany lifted the trophy, beating Argentina, 1-0.
With a new Autograph Line, Marks and Spencer were again in charge of designing the suits. Cut from a light and breathable English wool, the suit was completed with a red white and blue sleeve lining and striped tie. The suits certainly weren’t as luxe as what the Italian team turned up in this year. They wore a decadent Dolce & Gabbana three-piece. A similar one was available off the shelf for $3,345 (£2,473), slightly more than the M&S suit which was priced at £199.
2018
Marks and Spencer were once again the official suppliers for the Three Lions. The players wore an Alfred Brown blue, three-piece with a navy waistcoat and jacket and a light blue fitted shirt.
Did the formalwear power England to the semi-finals? We hope. But who knows, for sure? At the very least, Nick Pope, Lewis Cook, Joe Hart, and others, looked good.
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Sources
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1430508/Armani-turns-England-out-in-a-style-that-will-suit-Beckham.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/suited-and-booted-for-england-9167264.html
http://alfredbrown.co.uk/sport-entertainment/alfred-brown-weaves-fabric-for-suits-worn-by-england-world-cup-team-2010/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8694687.stm
