NIKE UNVEILS FIRST ENGLAND KIT
The new England kit was unveiled today, with the first official sighting via a picture posted on twitter by England midfielder Jack Wilshere of a pupil at his former school wearing the jersey, demonstrating that the kit belongs to the nation, not just the players lucky enough to represent England. Following its reveal via social media, Nike has created a campaign emphasising that while the kit may feature technical innovation and performance benefits, it cannot win games by itself, and it is what the players do in it that counts.
Wilshere arrived to watch a training session at The Priory School in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, before picking out lucky student Jason Kelly to wear and reveal the shirt for the first time .
“This is where my dream of playing for England started and it’s great to be back here to see a new generation playing with the same passion,” Wilshere said. “I gave Jason the shirt because his commitment and work-rate really impressed me today, he showed that it’s what you do on the pitch that matters — from your first match as a nine year-old all the way up to the international stage.”
A clean, distinctive design takes the kit back to its roots with its traditional colors of white and dark blue to celebrate the Football Association’s 150th anniversary. The iconic three lions crest was prominently featured in dark blue on the team’s first kit, and once again, the crest is the proud focus – now with a gold border, a gold star above it signifying England’s World Cup win, and a gold ribbon graphic below inscribed with “150 years” and the dates 1863 and 2013, marking the Football Association’s anniversary.
The blue on the new kit is the same dark blue colour that featured on England’s first kit. Embodying the clean lines and understated style of the best of English fashion, the white shirt features a dark blue classic crew neck collar, while two side vents on the hem of the shirt subtly feature the St George’s cross. The shorts are entirely dark blue and the socks are white with a thin dark blue band at the top.
The kit showcases Nike’s belief in style, craft and pride while aiding the performance of players with key technological features. The kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
In the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester. Since 2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill through the use of recycled polyester.
The kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch. The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.
Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.
To aid fit and construction, Nike embarked on an innovative programme of 3D body scans of some of the world’s leading players to produce a more athletic fit tailored to footballers’ physiques. The shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance, while also increasing comfort and performance.
NIKE AND THE FA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP
Nike and The Football Association have announced a new partnership that will see the world’s leading sports company design and create the kits for men and women’s England teams at every level.
The first England kits to bear the Nike Swoosh will be launched in Spring 2013. The partnership will run until 31st July 2018 and represents a substantial investment, which will be reinvested by The FA back into the game across all levels, from the senior team to grassroots.
The partnership includes the following elements:
- Supplying kit and match balls to all of Club England’s 24 football teams at every level, including the men’s national teams, women’s, Futsal, disability and amateur.
- Sponsorship and support of St George’s Park, the home of the National Football Centre in Burton-upon-Trent, which in addition to hosting the England senior team will train and develop a generation of coaches, referees and medical staff every year.
- Supporting partner of Wembley Stadium, the home of English football.
- Supporting partner for The FA Cup, supplying match balls for games at each level of the world’s most famous club cup competition.
- Supply of product to The FA county organisations
“The pride and passion of England fans is renowned throughout the football world and we are delighted to partner with The FA”, said Nike Brand President Charlie Denson. “We look forward to supporting England teams at every level with innovative product technology and playing our part to help develop the future of English football through our support of St George’s Park.”
The Football Association General Secretary Alex Horne said: “I am delighted that The FA has secured this new wide-ranging and comprehensive partnership with Nike. It is an extremely exciting time for both parties with the opening of St George’s Park this year and The FA’s 150th anniversary in 2013.
Horne continued: “I would also like to place on record our gratitude to Umbro and their significant contribution to the game, The FA and England teams, over a 60-year period.”
UMBRO ‘FACE OF ENGLAND’ – PAUL GASCOIGNE
Paul Gascoigne, one of the finest footballing talents this country has ever produced, was in London today on the eve of England’s first Euro 2012 warm-up match to show his support to the team’s tournament hopes.
Gazza, capped 57 times, last appeared in an England shirt against Belgium in 1998 and now he wears the Three Lions once more as England gears up for Europe’s biggest football tournament. One of his most memorable performances for England was scoring a spectacular volley in a 2-0 win against Scotland at Wembley in Euro 96.
Today Gazza, who celebrates his 45th birthday on Sunday [27th May], unveiled a giant 13m x 10m image of himself which plays up to the famous ‘tongue out’ pose from his playing days.
The image of Gazza is the first in a series of ‘Faces of England’ from official England kit suppliers Umbro which celebrates icons of England. Over the coming months, other famous figures that represent English culture will appear on the billboard on Old Street, London.
Gazza is pictured proudly wearing the current England Home shirt, tailored by Umbro, which will be worn by the England squad in Poland and the Ukraine.
The England home shirt is inspired by the red and white of the St George’s flag and the striping detail under the collar is a nod to the Umbro jacket worn by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey during England’s 1966 World Cup winning campaign.
Gazza said: “It brings a lump to my throat when I think about how proud I am to have played for my country. There’s nothing better than representing England – the buzz of the crowd and feeling the support of the whole country. Wearing the shirt again has brought back many happy memories and seeing myself on display in the capital, being celebrated as an icon of England is truly an honour.”
Gazza also joked: “I bumped into Colin Hendry recently and it [the game against Scotland] felt like only yesterday that I left him on the turf at Wembley. We delivered in style that day and I wish the current squad all the best this summer and hope they wear the shirt with pride.”
Trevor Cairns, Global Chief Marketing Officer for Umbro, said: “‘Faces of England’ will celebrate icons of English culture and in Gazza we’ve chosen one of the most entertaining and passionate players this country has ever seen.
“The pride which Paul displays when talking about playing for England proves he was the perfect choice. He has quite literally given blood, sweat and tears in the Three Lions shirt and if you’re an England fan, you can ask for nothing more.”
Images of Gazza in the England home shirt will also appear on fly postering sites across England.
Visit www.umbro.com/facesofengland to watch Gazza’s thoughts on playing for England as well as the Euros.
Umbro’s 30 second TV ad featuring Gazza will debut at 7.35pm on Saturday 26th May before Norway vs England.
UMBRO ENGLAND 2012-13 HOME KIT
Flying the flag for England: Umbro reveals new white and red England Home Kit
Taking its lead from the St. George’s flag, the new England Home kit, tailored by Umbro, features a patriotic white and red only design.
In a first for the England Home kit, the Three Lions crest, which has previously featured blue and red, appears entirely in red so the strip is a representation of the St. George’s flag in its purest form.
Launching ahead of this summer’s 2012 European Championships,the new Home kit will be worn by the Senior team for the first time on 29th February when the England team take on Holland at Wembley in front of 90,000 fans. The England U21 team will also play in the new strip on the same night when they take on Belgium U21s at the Riverside Stadium.
A key feature of the kit is the red striping detail inspired by the famous stripes on the Umbro jacket worn by England manager Sir Alf Ramsey during England’s 1966 World Cup winning campaign. The striping features on all elements of the kit [shirt, shorts, and socks] and is prominent on the reverse of the players’ collar and is clearly visible when turned up.
In keeping with Umbro’s football smart approach, the kit features a top button to create a football ‘shirt’ in the truest sense.Finished in brushed cotton, the shirt has a classic, smart aesthetic as well as performance benefits which include keeping the wearer comfortable and dry.
Retaining a classic style edge, the shirt has a shaped drop hem, giving a tailored fit that will sit with the natural posture of the body when standing.True to its tailoring heritage, Umbro continues to provide shirts in chest sizes so that each England fan can experience a tailored fit.
Speaking about the new kit, England striker Darren Bent commented: “The new Home kit is really smart and comfortable and that gives us confidence out on the pitch. All the lads are proud to play for their country and it’s great to wear the white and red of the St. George’s flag. While the fans at the matches wave their England flags, we will be wearing the colours on the pitch.”
The shorts and socks are white and also feature the red striping detail. A red change short will also be available later in the season. As a whole,the kit has been designed to provide maximum performance and movement having been crafted using Umbro’s look smart, play smart ethos.
The new England Home goalkeeper’s kit takes inspiration directly from the centre of the flag with full red colouring and the design details in white. Containing an interlocking pattern of red England crosses it aims to ensure Joe Hart stands out on the pitch.
The goalkeeper shirt sleeve has been constructed using a polyester/elastine blend that creates a tight yet flexible fit and offers maximum compatibility with goalkeeping gloves. Crafted in line with the whole England kit, the goalkeeping kit comes complete with Umbro’s iconic stripe rib and is tailored with a classic football smart look.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart commented: “I like the link the kit has to the St. George’s flag and the new goalie kit compliments the outfield strip whilst still standing out. Representing your country is a great honour for any player so I’m proud to wear the white and red of England.”
The wider on-pitch range includes a white and red Umbro Anthem Jacket, a style made famous by the legendary Sir Alf Ramsey. It will be worn by the team as they walk out onto the pitch and features the same red woven ribbing detail as the Home kit.
The new England Home Kit is available from 29thFebruary from umbro.com and other sport retailers.
For more information visit www.umbro.com/england or www.blog.umbro.com
ENGLAND TRAINING BOOT SPOTTING
England will take on World and European Champions Spain on Saturday in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium before hosting Sweden on Tuesday. Saturday is the 12th of November – the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice at the end of the First World War. This has caused their seen the build-up to the match has been dominated by a dispute over poppies after Fifa denied the Football Association the right to add poppies to their shirts, saying it would breach their regulations on “political” symbols. However Fifa can’t stop the players from adding personalizations to their football boots and that is exactly what Nike have done for all their star players.
Ashley Cole’s White/Gold/Volt Tiempo Legend IV boots feature his initials and number just above a poppy. Interestingly Cole has chosen to stick with the ‘standard’ Tiempo rather then wearing the Elite version.
Gabriel Agbonlahor has been in tremendous for in the Premier League and that has resulted in the Aston Villa striker being recalled to the England fold. He will wear a pair of Volt/Purple/Retro Superfly III boots with his nickname and initial joining the poppy.
Theo Walcott is another player wearing the eye-catching Volt/Purple/Retro Superfly III colourway which features his initials and the traditional symbol of remembrance.
It wasn’t only Nike boots that were their to be spotted however as new boots and colourways were popping up everywhere you looked. Phil Jones could make another appearance for the senior squad – and this time it will be in the brand new Puma PowerCat 1.12.
The biggest talking point of the weekend is the global rollout of the new Adidas AdiZero MiCoach which we spotted on Stewart Downing. Interestingly Downing has opted for the alternate Black/Electricity/Warning colourway rather than the main Energy/White/Electricity colourway.
Along with the new AdiZeros Adidas will also be handing debuts to their new Black/Warning/White colourway. However Scott Carson may not be seeing much action as Joe hart will undoubtedly be starting.
Leighton Baines has a better chance of adding to his cap tally as he could come on or start ahead of Ashley Cole on the new AdiPower Predator colourway.
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY SPECIAL EDITION
Having recently launched the all new England Away kit, Umbro have now returned with a special edition Away set ahead of England’s Euro qualifying game against Montenegro on Friday.
The new Away jersey and Anthem jacket feature a redesigned version of Peter Saville’s Modern England pattern, which Saville designed specially for Umbro, and features interlocking crosses to represent the flag of St George.
The new design features on the collar of the navy Away kit while the Anthem jacket is covered in a tonal navy St Georges crosses print.
The navy Jersey is a big change from the traditional red but it still a very traditional English colour and is a throw back to the traditional suiting colour worn by the England team first in the 1930s. Inspiration was taken from the caps given to England players as well as the original British passports, which were navy in colour.
Lightweight and breathable, the special edition shirt has adopted the same performance benefits as the England Away shirt. The shirt uses mesh technology to increase the airflow to the body, updating a style that was first introduced in 1970. The England shirt is made using full polyester on the inside to help draw sweat away from the body and features a cotton outer to provide a smart appearance.
The new special edition Away set will be available from the Umbro website from tomorrow the 7th of October.
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY COLLECTION
Umbro fuses football smartness with modern tailoring to create the new England Away kit in a classic navy colour
Umbro has combined English smartness with modern football tailoring to create the new England Away kit in a classic navy suiting colour. The new Away kit (which we profiled here) will be worn by the England senior squad for the first time against Holland on August 10th, sees a return to blue – a colour which is synonymous with England and was first worn by the England team in the 1930s. Inspiration for the new shirt was taken from the blue caps given to England players as well as the original British passports, which were navy in colour. Similar to the design of the 2009 England Home shirt, the new away kit features a smart regatta blue pop out collar, detail inherent in Umbro football tailoring, whilst combining the performance elements required for the modern game.
Lightweight and breathable, the shirt uses mesh technology to increase the air flow to the body, updating a style that was first introduced in 1970 for the Mexico World Cup. The shirt is made using full polyester on the inside to help draw sweat away from the body and features a cotton outer to provide a smart appearance. Featuring a Raglan sleeve and darting over the top edge of the shoulder, the navy shirt maintains its shape whilst allowing freedom across the body.
“Myself and the England lads can’t wait to pull the new England Away kit on for the first time against Holland. Representing your country is one of the greatest honours for a player. Looking good gives you confidence on the pitch and it is great to have a new look with the navy blue,” commented England captain John Terry.
The shorts, in a lighter, blue regatta colouring, feature a side stretch mesh panel to aid ventilation. The short is straightened off to allow easy movement of the upper leg. The socks combine the blue of the shirt and short to complete the smart kit.
England manager Fabio Capello commented: “Blue is a strong colour and one which is part of the history and future of the England team. We face many difficult fixtures away from home this year and it is important for the team to look smart on and off the pitch.”
The new Away goalkeeper’s shirt (which we profiled here) references the strong graphical formations used on previous England kits and carries a formation of interlocking crosses which represent the flag of St George. The shirt is built from the latest in fabric technology in order to provide goalkeepers like Joe Hart with the best possible help on the pitch. With a simple, comfortable collar, the goalkeeper shirt is crafted from a special cotton fabric with panels built for stretch and movement, whilst the arms feature the same 360º pivot armhole to offer keepers maximum movement. The lower part of the arm on the shirt offers a tight fit offering articulation and compatibility with goalkeeping gloves.
England goalkeeper Joe Hart said: “The new goalie Away shirt is lively but I really like it and am looking forward to wearing it against Holland. The strip fits really well and it reminds me of some of the goalkeeper kits I used to see on my heroes when I was a kid.”
The wider on-pitch range will include two new Umbro anthem jackets – regatta blue for coaching staff and navy for players – which will be worn when they walk out onto the pitch. Tailored to compliment the kit and provide comfort for the players, the anthem jacket stays in line with the sense of smartness provided by the new kit.
In keeping with its tailoring heritage, Umbro has continued to provide shirts in chest sizes so that each England fan can experience a tailored fit. The kit will be worn by every level of the England team from juniors to seniors including the women’s team.
The new England Away kit is available to pre-order now and will go on sale August 10th 2011.
For more info visit: www.umbro.com/england
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY GOALKEEPER KIT
Along with the new England away kit, Umbro have released a truly eye-catching goalkeeper kit. England number 1 Joe Hart will certainly be hard to miss in this new jersey which features a new graphic developed by iconic designer Peter Saville. The bright, colourful jersey design is made up of crosses from the St George’s Flag which tessellate to create a sharp effect in different shades of green on the body and upper arms of the shirt.
The shirt has a simple collar and has been crafted from a special polyester/cotton fabric with panels built for stretch and movement. the arms feature the same 360º pivot armhole as the outfield shirt to offer goalkeepers maximum movement.
The lower part of the arm on the goalkeeper shirt is also crafted with the specifics of the player in mind, with a tight fit offering articulation and compatibility with goalkeeping gloves. The England crest and Umbro logo are embroidered on the chest.
DAVID HAYE REVEALS NEW UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY KIT
Boxer David Haye to reveal new England Away football shirt in Germany
English WBA Boxing Champion David Haye will walk out at the Imtech Arena in Hamburg tomorrow night wearing the new England Away football shirt. Haye will be the first person to wear the smart navy blue England Away shirt before his world heavyweight title unification bout in Germany against Ukrainian fighter Wladimir Klitschko. As home to Hamburger SV, the Imtech Arena is no stranger to football and was one of the stadia used in the 2006 World Cup.
Haye commented: “It’s an honour to represent my country away from home and as a football fan, the opportunity to launch the England Away shirt is a huge privilege. I’ve had several messages of support from the England camp, including Fabio Capello, John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, so I’m determined to put in a strong performance and bring all the world title belts back to England. Like many English sportsmen and women, I’ve faced opposing fans when I’ve fought abroad before and tomorrow night being in Germany will be nothing new for me. And I know that the support back home is immense.”
Haye’s entourage will also be sporting blue by wearing light blue Umbro anthem jackets as they walk to the ring.
England’s kits are made by football tailoring brand Umbro. For more than 87 years, the Manchester-based sportswear company has produced tailored football kits which blend style and performance. In 2010, Umbro launched the last England Away kit with English rock band Kasabian during their European tour in Paris.
Trevor Cairns, Chief Marketing Officer for Umbro, commented: “David is the embodiment of courage and pride so he is the perfect representative for England abroad. Representing your country, at home or away, is one of the greatest honours for a sportsman. The football rivalry between England and Germany goes back years so David’s fight in Hamburg presented an ideal opportunity to launch the new England Away shirt. There’ll be many fans in Hamburg rooting for Klitschko however Haye will by flying the flag for England.”
The new 2011 England Away shirt is blue; blue is part of England’s DNA and has been used by the England team since 1930. Inspiration for the new shirt was also taken from the blue caps given to England players as well as the original British passports which were navy in colour.
The new England Away kit is constructed using modern tailoring techniques:
- Lightweight and breathable, the shirt uses mesh technology to increase the air flow to the body, updating a design first introduced to the England shirt in 1970 for the Mexico World Cup
- Built using full polyester on the inside to draw sweat away from the body. The cotton outer gives a smart appearance which drives confidence in the player
- Featuring a raglan sleeve and darting over the top edge of the shoulder, the shirt maintains its shape whilst allowing freedom across the body
The new England Away kit is available for pre-order now and will go on sale August 10th. It will be worn by every level of the England team from juniors to seniors including the women’s team.
Visit www.umbro.com/england for more information.
UMBRO ENGLAND AWAY TEASER
The last time Umbro unveiled a new Away kit for the England national side, British rock band Kasabian were the first to wear it. Now Umbro have once again asked a famous British person to unveil the new jersey – World Heavyweight Champion David Haye.
Haye will showcase the new England Away jersey – which we have discovered is a dark navy blue – before he enters the ring for Saturday massive fight against Wladimir Klitschko.
The Hayemaker will have the whole of England behind him as he aims to become the undisputed world champion, including Kasabian singer Tom Meighan who recently paid David a visit. Kasabian famously revealed the previous England Away shirt in Paris in February 2010, so they know all about representing England abroad. As you can see in the video above, Tom visited David Haye recently to offer some works of encouragement and to pass on the brand new England Away shirt. Tomorrow you’ll be able to see the shirt for the first time.