The England players were spotted in mid-March of last 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 the third World Cup in a row, we got a sneak peek at who we could be seeing on the pitch in Russia last summer too.
But, the players haven’t always been sporting a slim-fit number and we’ve seen some styles come and go. Together with Frank Wright, a British footwear brand that offers a range of mens derby shoes, we take a look at trends of the England team during the FIFA tournament over the past 20 years.
1998 World Cup
Held in France, the 1998 World Cup saw defending champions Brazil beaten by the host country in a 3-0 defeat at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. Although England failed to progress to the quarter finals, did they show up looking smart?
Apparently not — the official World Cup suits of England were heavily criticised that 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 to say the least. Could it have been their not-so-stylish suits that determined their success that year?
2002 World Cup
The 17th staging of the FIFA World Cup was held in the Korea Republic and Japan from May until June in 2002. England progressed further than they had in the competition four years ago and reached the quarter finals until they were defeated by Brazil.
In 2002, Burton was the official suit providers for the players. The last time Burton designed the England World Cup team suit was in the year that Bobby Moore captained England to a win of the tournament with a 4-2 victory over West Germany. It’s likely that they were hoping the suits would bring them some luck this time around too.
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 per cent 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 World Cup
Held in Germany, the 2006 World Cup led to Italy winning its fourth title and France coming second after a penalty shoot-out. England reached the quarter finals again but were knocked out when the game went to penalties with Portugal.
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 colour palette of navy, light blue and pearl grey and of course included the famous badge. England captain and fashion follower, David Beckham also gave some input into the designs.
2010 World Cup
South Africa was the host of the 2010 World Cup tournament, resulting in a win for Spain and the Netherlands coming in second.
After becoming official suit suppliers for the English national football team and under 21s in 2007, Marks and Spencer was the supplier of the 2010 World Cup suits. England manager at the time, Fabio Capello, gave his input too by setting specifications for designer Timothy Everest.
Through the Alfred Brown weaver label, the team were 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 World Cup
Hosted by Brazil, the 2014 World Cup was the first time England were knocked out of the group stages since 1958 and the first time they were eliminated after only two games. After extra time, Germany lifted the trophy with a 1-0 victory.
With a new Autograph line, Marks and Spencer was again in charge of designing the suits. Cut from 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 World Cup
What are the boys expected to wear for the event in Russia? Marks and Spencer remain the official suppliers for the Three Lions so we can expect something smart, classy but not too over the top.
From the photos that we have seen from the fitting last March, it appears as though the players wore an Alfred Brown blue three piece with a navy waistcoat and jacket and a light blue fitted shirt. Unfortunately though, the power suits didn’t help to bring the trophy home!
